Since 1992, Attorney Mary Catherine Barrett has specialized exclusively in surrogacy and adoption law. Mary Catherine provides compassionate, confidential assistance to young women looking to place their child for adoption, as well as families seeking to adopt domestically and those seeking to add to their family with the assistance of a surrogate. In addition, she has assisted in the complicated process of international adoption with countries including Russia, Brazil, Mexico, Thailand, Morocco, and India. Her training in surrogacy law began in California in 1992 working with Noel Keane, the “father of surrogate parenting.” She then returned to Ohio to start private practice. She is an Adjunct Professor of Surrogacy and Adoption Law at Case Western Reserve School of Law. She has successfully assisted in hundreds of domestic adoption arrangements. In addition, she has established parental rights for intended parents through surrogacy arrangements in over 10 counties in Ohio where it was a case of first impression. Mary Catherine is a frequent presenter speaking on topics including private placement adoptions, international adoptions, ovum donor legislation, and legality and enforceability of surrogate parenting contracts. Other speaking engagements have included presentations to high schools throughout Ohio, hospitals, churches and support groups. She welcomes the opportunity to educate and inform the community about myths and realities associated with adoption and surrogacy. Mary Catherine has published articles utilized by the Ohio State Bar Association and local bar associations.