Michele Jackson

Michele L. Jackson is a founder of HARDEN JACKSON, LLC where she serves as Chair of the Adoption & Reproductive Law Practice Group and concentrates her law practice in adoption, surrogacy, and international family law. Her practice includes representation for expectant (birth) or adoptive parents, as well as step-parent and second parent adoptions. Additionally, Ms. Jackson represents intended parents or surrogates in gestational surrogacy arrangements. She is routinely sought for her knowledge and experience regarding issues in international adoptions and international family law and has extensive experience with children in the United States and orphans worldwide. Ms. Jackson has dedicated herself to the adoption of orphans worldwide, while assisting couples and individuals to realize their dreams of becoming parents. Her commitment includes traveling to countries to develop and maintain in-country contacts including agencies, attorneys and foreign authorities.

Ms. Jackson earned her Juris Doctor from Indiana University School of Law in 2000. During law school, she earned the distinctions of President of the International Law Society, International Human Rights Law Program and Student Government Representative. She graduated with a double major and honors from Anderson University in 1997. She is a member of the Indianapolis Bar Association and the American Bar Association. For three years (2010-2012), Ms. Jackson was named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine, an honor for attorneys under 40 that lists her as one of the top up-and-coming attorneys in Indiana.

In addition to her legal practice, Ms. Jackson was an Adjunct Law Professor at the IU School of Law, Indianapolis since from 2005-2010, where she taught classes on International Comparative Family Law and International Organizations Law. She has also directed seminars and conferences as well as Continuing Legal Education classes on topics such as Adoption Law and Assisted Reproductive Law (Surrogacy). A frequent speaker, Ms. Jackson has addressed audiences in Indiana, nationally and internationally. Her articles on subjects such as adoption, child labor, sexual exploitation, and the plight of orphans, have been featured in numerous print and online publications.

Ms. Jackson had advised foreign Consulates on issues relating to international family law and orphan visa denials. As a member of the American Bar Association, she has been actively involved in developing and drafting the ABA Model Legislation for surrogacy and reproductive law.

Despite her busy professional schedule, Ms. Jackson volunteers for pro bono projects and is an active community advocate for non-profit organizations. She is the founder and volunteer director of The Fatherless Foundation, a not-for-profit organization which raises funds and provides supplies and services to orphanages world-wide and provides grants to couples wishing to adopt internationally who lack the financial resources. Ms. Jackson recently realized her personal dream of adopting. She has two adopted sons from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Indiana

Of Counsel

Harden Jackson Law

Current

Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law

J.D. (2000)

2000

Anderson University

(1997)

1997

Rising Star

Super Lawyers Magazine

2013

2010-2013

Angels in Adoption

Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute

2012

The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s (CCAI) Angels in Adoption™ Program provides Members of Congress the opportunity to honor an individual, couple, or organization from their district that have made an extraordinary contribution on behalf of children in need of homes. These heroes hail from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico and represent the wide spectrum of individuals involved in the adoption and foster care process. Since the program’s inception in 1999, over 1,800 Angels have received this honor. CCAI also honors a select number of National Angels in Adoption™. As the name implies, these are individuals whose contributions in the fields of adoption or foster care have had a national impact. Past recipients of this award include Nia Vardalos, Scott Fujita, Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, First Lady Laura Bush, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Kristin Chenoweth, Rhea Perlman, Bruce Willis, Al Roker, Muhammad Ali, Patti LaBelle, Jane Seymour, Henry Winkler, and CBS Studios.

Forty Under 40

Indianapolis Business Journal

Indiana State Bar

Member

Current

Indianapolis Bar Association

Member

Current

American Bar Association

Member

Current