I am not an adoption attorney. I am an adoptee-rights lawyer. Big difference.
An adoption attorney often, but not always, represents adoptive parents in facilitating and securing adoptions. An adoptee-rights lawyer works to secure civil and legal rights for adult adoptees, whether it is access to an original birth certificate, challenging laws that are used to deny access to identifying or nonidentifying information, or working to secure US citizenship for intercountry adult adoptees. Or any other legal issues affecting adult adoptees.
Here are some differences between an adoption attorney and an adoptee-rights lawyer. Consider this my semi-manifesto as well as something to build on:
Don’t get me wrong. I have no doubt there are plenty of fair-minded and highly ethical adoption attorneys out practicing in the world. It’s just that the interests represented do not often—if ever— align with lifelong interests of adoptees.
As for me, with the exception of the pro bono DACA-related work I do, I represent only adult adoptees. Because.
Your work lasts a lifetime and generations will thank you. It is a high calling. Thank you for accepting this mantle of priceless advocacy.