Bernstein Shur Launches Family Formation Practice Led by Shareholder Eviana (Englert) Woodlinn

Today Bernstein Shur announces a new Family Formation Practice to help individuals and couples successfully navigate the legal process of building a family, including through genetic material donation, surrogacy, and second-parent adoption. As significant strides in Maine law make family-building more accessible to Maine residents, the newly formed practice, led by Shareholder Eviana (Englert) Woodlinn (she/they), will support the increasing need for legal services among communities taking advantage of these new statutory protections.

“Our firm has a longstanding commitment to social justice, often demonstrated through the advocacy work of our Government and Public Affairs team to protect and advocate for human rights at the state level,” said Joan Fortin, Bernstein Shur CEO. “Evi’s new practice is in alignment with and a natural continuation of this important work, and we’re proud that they will help support families navigating these rightful opportunities.”

Inspired by their personal experience, Evi brings a first-hand understanding of the nuanced and often arduous family formation legal process. Combined with a reputable career and skillset in complex litigation and dispute resolution matters, Evi approaches her work with empathy, precision, and collaboration with all parties involved. As part of their practice, Evi serves to:

• Educate clients about their rights and responsibilities related to their individual reproductive journey, including the preparation of legal documents.
• Guide clients in making appropriate decisions about their family building options and advise LGBTQ+ clients on their unique paths to parenthood.
• Represent intended parents and gamete donors in the area of egg donation, sperm donation, embryo donation, co-parent adoption, and parentage proceedings.
• Utilize expertise as a litigator to represent and advise clients in arising-from and related litigation.

As part of a broader, multi-disciplinary team at Bernstein Shur, Evi is able to partner directly with colleagues who are experts in estate planning and legislative work to provide a holistic team, and the full suite of legal services, that their family planning clients require.

“I am so proud to live and practice in Maine—a State that continues to work towards providing the equitable access, care, and protections necessary for all individuals to grow their families,” said Evi. “I am thrilled to translate the firm’s social justice efforts into direct client service and to continue to expand the way in which we can help Mainers fulfill their dreams of parenthood, including those with infertility and LGBTQ+ people.”

Licensed in Maine and New York, Evi is eager to support families in Maine, with the goal to expand her practice across the Northeast.

“There is so much work yet to be done,” acknowledged Evi. “It’s an honor to join the practitioners already doing this work and making an impact in our State.”

Visit the Family Formation Practice page to learn more.