GCAL is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of the Officers and a member-at-large. Officers and Directors serve two-year terms. Current members of the Board of Directors are:
To send GCAL a message, please visit our contact page. For questions regarding legal matters, please contact one of the attorneys listed in our Directory.
While the Board sets policy and the agenda for GCAL, GCAL conducts most of its work through committees. Current committees are as follows:
Advocacy Committee
Ruth Claiborne and Jim Outman, Co-Chairs
The Advocacy Committee reviews requests from Fellows or the public for litigation assistance, Amicus support, legislative lobbying, legislative commentary or drafting, public commentary, and campaign activity. The Committee makes recommendations to the GCAL Board regarding action on any such issues.
Admissions Committee
Sherriann H. Hicks, Chair
The Admissions Committee reviews applications for admission to GCAL and makes recommendations to the Board regarding approval of applications. The Committee also has authority to make a recommendation to the Board that an attorney be invited to join GCAL or that a member of the public be recognized as an Honorary Fellow.
Best Practices & Standards Committee
Jessica Gordon, Chair
The Best Practices & Standards Committee makes recommendations to the Board regarding GCAL’s Code of Ethics as well as provides assistance to Fellows with issues related to best practices in adoption law.
Pro Bono Committee
TBD, Chair
The Pro Bono Committee provides support to Fellows as they provide pro bono legal assistance to the public in accordance with GCAL’s Code of Ethics, which mandates that Fellows strive to provide 50 hours per year of pro bono assistance.
Public Relations Committee
Diane Woods, Chair
The Public Relations Committee assists the Board with promoting GCAL both to other lawyers and the general public through the GCAL website, public service announcements, and other media.
Technology Committee
Barbara Katz, Chair
The Technology Committee oversees the technical management of the GCAL website and email group as well as provides guidance to the Board on issues related to the use of technology in the practice of adoption law.