USA Chapter Introduction to International Family Law Conference
The USA Chapter Introduction to International Family Law Conference is a two-day event organized by the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL). Scheduled for January 16-17, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this conference aims to provide a comprehensive overview of international family law topics and offers an opportunity to learn more about fellowship with the IAFL.
The conference features a series of educational sessions covering key topics such as Hague and UCCJEA issues, effectuating international service, dividing international retirement accounts, valuing international assets, and jurisdictional differences. Notable sessions include an interview with Simon Bruce, a legend in international divorce law, and a discussion on the complexities of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements across borders.
In addition to the educational programs, the conference offers networking opportunities, including a pizza and dance party at the Pulse Club and Bar on Friday evening. Attendees will also have the chance to participate in informal gatherings, such as a lunch at the Reading Terminal Market on Saturday.
This conference is ideal for family law professionals seeking to expand their knowledge and practice in international family law. It provides valuable insights into complex cross-border issues and offers a platform to connect with leading experts and peers in the field.
Speakers(18)
Andrew Zashin
Ariel Leichter-Maroko
Founding Partner at Leichter Leichter-Maroko LLP
Ariel Leichter-Maroko is a Founding Partner of Leichter Leichter-Maroko LLP, a Beverly Hills-based family law firm focusing on complex, high-stakes family law litigation. He is a Certified Family Law Specialist (California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization) and a Fellow of the IAFL. Ariel's practice frequently addresses jurisdictional and cross-border issues, including disputes over forum selection, interstate and international custody, support, and enforcement, and cases involving parallel proceedings in multiple jurisdictions. He regularly advises clients and consults with other counsel on UCCJEA-related questions and jurisdictional strategy when families, assets, or children span state or national borders.
Brian L. Sobol
David Schaffer
Evan Marks
Frances Auchincloss Goldsmith
Attorney
Frances Auchincloss Goldsmith, admitted to the Paris Bar, has over 15 years of legal experience and litigation before the French courts in private client matters and general commercial and civil litigation. As a Franco-American, she has developed valued experience in French international private law and often advises clients on the legal consequences of their cases in France. She has robust experience in resolving complex financial cases, including those with international elements, and has been appointed as an expert before foreign courts in litigation relating to matrimonial regimes and complex issues of dividing property and estate disputes.
Jane Keir
Jay Fishman
Managing Director at Stout
Jay E. Fishman, FASA, FRICS, is a Managing Director at Stout and has been actively engaged in the appraisal profession since 1974. He specializes in the valuations of business enterprises and their intangible assets. Mr. Fishman has co-authored several books, including the 'Guide to Business Valuations' and 'Standards of Value.' He has been qualified as an expert witness and provided testimony in Federal Court, U.S. Tax Court, and twelve state courts. He has taught courses on business valuation to various organizations, including the Internal Revenue Service and the National Judicial College.
Julie Curran Gerock
Partner at Maddox & Gerock, P.C.
Julie Curran Gerock is a partner with Maddox & Gerock, P.C., in Falls Church, Virginia. Licensed to practice law in Virginia, the District of Columbia, and North Carolina, she has been a family law attorney since 1999, representing clients in complex cases, including equitable distribution, spousal and child support, child custody, visitation, relocation, and international family law cases. Known for her trial skills, Julie also offers mediation services and is a Virginia Supreme Court Certified Mediator.
Karon Bales
Larry Katz
Liz Hicks
Mudita Chawla
Patricia Apy
Richard Min
Partner at Green Kaminer Min & Rockmore, LLP
Richard Min is a partner at Green Kaminer Min & Rockmore, LLP in New York City, focusing exclusively on family law with an emphasis on international family law, child abduction, high-conflict custody, and cross-border custody issues. He has extensive experience in 1980 Hague Child Abduction Convention cases, having been involved in approximately 100 cross-border child abduction or custody cases and acted as lead trial counsel in over 60 Hague abduction cases across more than a dozen states. In 2022, he argued Golan v. Saada before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Ron Kauffman
Simon Bruce
Partner at Dawson Cornwell LLP
Simon Bruce is a partner at Dawson Cornwell LLP in London, specializing in high-value cases often with an international character. With over 42 years of experience as a family lawyer, he has been involved in six cases that have reached The Supreme Court. Simon is also an active pro bono lawyer, serving as the legal director of an award-winning pro bono family law clinic in West London and working at three other pro bono family law clinics. He is a past President of the Family Law Commission of the Union Internationale des Avocats.
Sue Moss
Event Details
- Date
- January 16-17, 2026
- 2 days
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Philadelphia, United States
- Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District Hotel
- Pricing
- Varies by tier
- Audience
- Family law professionals, legal practitioners, and individuals interested in international family law.
- CLE Credits
- CLE accreditation pending