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ADOPTION BACKGROUND: Gary is both an adoptive parent and an attorney who has practiced in the area of adoptions for 20 years. His professionalism and calming manner generates a bond of trust with clients whether they are adoptive parents or birth parents. Over the years, Gary has been involved in a variety of adoption cases that has expanded his expertise and is frequently contacted to present seminars and write articles on adoption law. He practices in other areas of family law, which provides a broader view of problem-solving if the adoption process should go awry. He also works in the Native American Community, appearing in several tribal courts and having expertise in the Indian Child Welfare Act. In addition to his adoption and family law practice, Gary has significant experience in the area of assisted reproduction including assisting clients with the drafting of contracts and the establishment of parentage. Please see Gary’s profile at www.wbdlaw.com for a complete list of his many publications, seminars, and significant cases.

EDUCATION:
JD 1987 University of Minnesota Law School
MA 1991 University of Minnesota (American Legal and Constitutional History)
BA 1984 St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN (History)

PERSONAL DATA:
Born: March 1962
Married with 1 child
Residing in Wayzata, MN

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:
1991 to Present: Walling, Berg & Debele, P.A., Shareholder and President
1990-1991: Mahoney, Walling & Kelley, Associate Attorney
1988-1989: Minnesota Court of Appeals, Judicial Law Clerk
1987-1988: District Court of Minnesota, Third Judicial District, Judicial Law Clerk
Certified Adoption Mediator, American Academy of Adoption Attorneys
Licensed to practice in Minnesota and Wisconsin, several federal and tribal courts

HONORS AND AWARDS:
The Best Lawyers in America, 2006-Present
Super Lawyers, Law & Politics, 1998-Present

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS:
American Academy of Adoption Attorneys
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
American Bar Association
Minnesota State Bar Association
Hennepin County Bar Association
Minnesota American Indian Bar Association
American Society for Legal History

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