Michael A. Shorstein
Board Certified Adoption Attorney
Michael has practiced exclusively in the area of adoption law since 1990. He specializes in all aspects of domestic adoptions including interstate, identified, stepparent, grandparent, relative and adult adoptions. He’s an active member of the prestigious American Academy of Adoption Attorneys, and is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell, meaning he’s rated at the highest level of professional excellence by his peers.
After graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in accounting, Michael received his law degree from Florida State University. He taught adoption law at one of Jacksonville’s local law schools. He regularly attends adoption seminars to share his knowledge and experience and to remain current on the many changes in adoption law and practice. Michael has conducted adoption seminars and presentations for hospitals, agencies and many other organizations. He and his wife, Robin, have two children, Mathew and Benay.
michaelshorstein
Michael’s Curriculum Vitae
Legal Education
- Florida State University College of Law; Juris Doctor – December, 1985
- Honors: Order of the Coif; Magna Cum Laude; Moot Court
- American Jurisprudence Book Award in Constitutional Law
Accounting Education
- University of Florida, School of Accounting
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting, 1980
- Honors: Cum Laude; Dean’s List; Beta Alpha Psi Accounting Honor Society
- Certified Public Accountant, 1983
Professional Associations
| Association Name | Position | Duration | ||
| Florida Bar Adoption Law Certification Committee | Member | 2009-present | ||
| Florida Bar Adoption Law Certification Committee | Chairman | 2009-2011 | ||
| Florida Adoption Council | Board Member | 2006-2014 | ||
| Florida Adoption Council | Member | 2003-present | ||
| Jacksonville Bar Association | Member | 2004-present | ||
| American Academy of Adoption Attorneys | Member | 1993-present | ||
| Florida Bar | Member | 1986-present | ||
| American Institute of Certified Public Accountants | Member | Current | ||
| Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants | Member | Current | ||
| Family Support Services of Northeast Florida | Board of Directors | 2004-2011 | ||
| Family Law Inns of Court, Jacksonville Chapter | Master of the Bench | 1999-2011 | ||
| Jacksonville Jewish Center | Board of Directors | 2000-2006 | ||
| Jacksonville Jewish Center | President | 2000-2002 | ||
| Daniel Memorial Adoption Advisory | Board Member | 1994-1996 | ||
| Leukemia Society of America, Northern Florida Chapter | Board of Trustees | 1993-1996 | ||
| Jacksonville Bar Association Grievance Committee | Member | 1990-1991 |
Awards and Recognition
| Name | Organization | Date | ||
| AV Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | Current | ||
| Angel in Adoption | Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute | 2005 | ||
| Business Partner Award | Jewish Family & Community Services, Inc. | 2005 | ||
| Equal Justice Award for Adoption | Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc. | 2004 |
Speaking Engagements
| Presentation Name | Conference | Date | ||
| Florida Adoption Best Practices | Florida Adoption Council | 2014 | ||
| Major Components of Private Party Adoption | Florida Conference of Circuit Court Judges | 2014 | ||
| Florida Adoption Practice | Family Law Society | 2014 | ||
| Best Practices for Adoption Attorneys | Florida Coastal School of Law | 2013 | ||
| Adoption Law: Theory, Policy and Practice | Florida Coastal School of Law (Adjunct Professor) | 2009 | ||
| Dependency, Adoption and Intervention | Florida Conference of Circuit Court Judges | 2008 | ||
| Effects of Law Changes on Hospital Practices | Hospital Staff Seminar | 2005 | ||
| Adoption in the 21st Century | Adoption Seminar | 1999 | ||
| Role of Obstetrical and Hospital Nurses in the Adoption Process | Perinatal Conference | 1998 | ||
| Legal & Practical Considerations For Hospitals Involved with Adoption Cases | Hospital Staff Seminar | 1996 | ||
| Adoption in the 90’s-Trend Toward Open Adoptions | Sisterhood Conference | 1994 | ||
| Legal & Practical Considerations For Hospital Nurses Involved With Adoptions | Hospital Staff Seminar | 1994 | ||
| Current Trends in Adoption Practice | Infertility Group | 1993 | ||
| Hospital Considerations in Adoption Cases | Health Law Interest Group | 1993 |
