Michele Jackson

Michele L. Jackson is a co-founder of HARDEN JACKSON, LLC, where she chairs the Adoption & Reproductive Law Group. Her practice is dedicated to adoption, surrogacy, and international family law. She represents both expectant and adoptive parents in various adoption scenarios, including step-parent and second parent adoptions. Additionally, Ms. Jackson assists intended parents and surrogates in gestational surrogacy agreements. Her expertise in international adoptions and family law is widely recognized, as she has significant experience with children in the U.S. and orphans globally. Ms. Jackson is committed to facilitating the adoption of orphans worldwide and supports individuals and couples in their journey to parenthood. Her dedication extends to traveling internationally to establish and maintain relationships with agencies, attorneys, and foreign authorities.

Ms. Jackson earned her Juris Doctor from Indiana University School of Law in 2000. During her studies, she was the President of the International Law Society and participated in the International Human Rights Law Program. She also served as a Student Government Representative. She graduated with honors from Anderson University in 1997, holding a double major. Ms. Jackson is a member of both the Indianapolis Bar Association and the American Bar Association. From 2010 to 2012, she was recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine, highlighting her as a prominent young attorney in Indiana.

Beyond her legal practice, Ms. Jackson served as an Adjunct Law Professor at the IU School of Law, Indianapolis, from 2005 to 2010, where she taught International Comparative Family Law and International Organizations Law. She has organized seminars, conferences, and Continuing Legal Education classes on Adoption Law and Assisted Reproductive Law. A sought-after speaker, she has presented on these topics in Indiana and beyond. Her writings on adoption, child labor, sexual exploitation, and orphan issues have been published in various outlets.

Ms. Jackson has advised foreign Consulates on international family law and orphan visa denials. As an active member of the American Bar Association, she contributed to drafting the ABA Model Legislation for surrogacy and reproductive law.

Despite her demanding career, Ms. Jackson volunteers for pro bono work and supports non-profit organizations. She founded The Fatherless Foundation, a non-profit that provides resources to orphanages globally and grants to couples seeking international adoption.