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When was ACMA formed?
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ACMA was formed in 1974 as a Georgia non-profit corporation and is tax exempt under Section 501(C)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code.
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Does ACMA actively recruit women and minority Fellows?
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ACMA prides itself on seeking diversity throughout its membership and encourages its Fellows to nominate women and minority candidates for election as Fellows as well as to mentor and identity younger, less experienced attorneys who may be prospects for future membership. ACMA seeks to provide a welcoming structure and collegial atmosphere for all its Fellows and to continue to develop its diverse membership.
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How does the nomination and election process work?
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A lawyer considered to be qualified for election as a Fellow may be nominated in writing by any Fellow in good standing. The letter of nomination outlines the nominee's qualifications for membership, which would include substantial experience in real estate law and activities such as publications, speaking and teaching presentations, bar association activities and community involvement. Nominations are to be filed with the Executive Director, who submits the nomination to the State or Provincial Chair for approval. The State or Provincial Chair, after inquiring into the qualification of the nominee, then forwards the nomination with recommendation to the Executive Director. The Executive Director sends a copy of the State or Provincial Chair's report and the nomination to the members of the Membership Committee for review and consideration.
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Does ACMA have Fellows who are In-house counsel?
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Yes, ACMA recognizes the importance of a broad spectrum of membership in its area of expertise and regularly seeks qualified in-house counsel to become Fellows in attendance. Also, many in-house Fellows serve as speakers at ACMA's CLE programs.
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Are there any different or extra benefits of joining ACMA for In-house counsel?
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Extra benefits of joining ACMA for in-house counsel include: the chance to get to know qualified outside counsel around the nation and to be able to build referral groups of outside counsel, the chance to discuss legal issues unique to or commonly encountered by in-house counsel, the chance to meet some new potential outside counsel, and the chance to develop working relationships and camaraderie with in-house and outside counsel throughout the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.
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Another partner in my law firm is an ACMA Fellow. Does that eliminate me from consideration as an ACMA Fellow?
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All qualified prospects are considered. Having a member of your law firm as a current ACMA Fellow will not eliminate you from consideration. ACMA seeks diverse, qualified, experienced attorneys throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico from all firms. A number of law firms represented among ACMA's membership have multiple Fellows in their ranks.
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What time commitment is required for active Fellows?
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ACMA holds an Annual Conference every 12 months, which includes 7-12 hours of Continuing Legal Education (CLE), committee meetings, the annual Fellows meeting, and social activities with Fellows and significant others. Numerous leadership and speaking opportunities are available in the membership meeting, but are not required.
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How is ACMA governed?
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ACMA is governed by a Board of Regents who are elected by the membership. There are 25 Regents representing a wide geographic area. Past Presidents serve as ex-officio members of the Regents. The Regents meet twice annually, once at the annual meeting of ACMA, and also during the Spring Meeting. The day-to-day activities of ACMA are conducted by the Executive Director. The Executive Director is available to answer questions and provide information about ACMA and its activities.
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How is ACMA's leadership selected?
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Fellows take an active role in selecting ACMA's leadership. The affairs of the College are managed by the Executive Committee, composed of the officers and the Immediate Past President, which reports to the Board of Regents. The President appoints a Nominating Committee to propose Fellows for offices within ACMA. Additionally, the President appoints committee chairs and co-chairs who report semi-annually to the Board of Regents at their meetings. Committee membership and Committee leadership positions are available to any Fellow who seeks to take an active role in the activities of ACMA.
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What committees does ACMA have?
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ACMA committees include:
- Amicus Brief Committee
- Budget Committee
- Business Development Committee
- Bylaws Committee
- Capital Markets Committee
- Communications and Public Relations Committee
- Corporate Counsel Committee
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee
- Executive Committee (ACMA Officers)
- Financial Restructuring and Remedies Committee
- Legislation Committee
- Lifetime Fellows Nominating Committee
- Meetings Committee
- Membership Committee
- Membership Development and Engagement Committee
- Mortgage Law Summary Committee
- Nominating Committee
- Opinions Committee
- Past Presidents Committee
- Program Committee
- Residential and Regulatory Committee
- Scholarship Committee
- Senior Fellows Committee
- Sponsorship Committee
- State and Provincial Chair Coordinators
- Strategic Plan Implementation Committee
- Technology Committee
- Title Insurance Committee
Necessarily, a few committees are composed of designated parties, such as the Executive Committee and the Nominating Committee. All officers are elected at the annual meeting of the College.
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