Meet Our Legal Team
Our firm was founded by Philip Adams (1905-1997), a leading California attorney who led the way in open adoptions in California. Susan and Phil became partners when he was in his 80's, wanting a younger attorney to share his work in adoptions. He authored "Adoption Practice in California" which was the primary text on California Adoption law. Phil was a significant leader in open adoption, a process in which the birth mother, with the help of an attorney, is able to choose the adoptive parents, rather than have an agency determines where her child would be placed. Today our firm comprises the following members:
Susan Romer, Managing Attorney, received her law degree from Golden Gate University School of Law and has extensive training in mediation. She also holds a Ph.D. in education from the University of California at Berkeley and a master's degree from Northwestern University. Susan graduated from Barnard College of Columbia University in New York City. She is an active member of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys (AAAA), the Academy of California Adoption Lawyers (ACAL), RESOLVE and the California State Board Committee on Adoption. With a team approach, Susan and her staff manage adoption cases from the moment clients retain our office through finalization of an adoption. We assist our adoptive families by evaluating their needs and developing realistic goals in their adoption process. We guide clients in matching with an expectant mother, in coordinating the adoption plan with other professionals, and in creating a plan for notice and termination of the birth father’s parental rights. Continued support is offered to adoptive families after a child has been placed in their home, which includes preparing them for the finalization hearing. When we represent a birth parent, we give the same high level of care and professionalism.
"Although I started in family law with divorce and custody disputes, I quickly realized I’d rather help put families together rather than take them apart, and I’ve devoted my practice to adoptions ever since."
— Attorney Susan Romer
Michelle Nobriga, JD, MBA, has been working in association with Adams & Romer since 2001 and came on board full time as our Legal Case Manager in March of 2005. She earned her law and MBA degrees from Golden Gate University in San Francisco. Michelle is originally from Kailua, Hawaii, where she worked as a counselor for women in crisis and was certified through the State of Hawaii in domestic violence and HIV/Aids testing and education. Michelle is the person who keeps your case on target, making sure that nothing is left undone for both expectant and adoptive parents.
Nina Anderson, M.S.W., L.C.S.W., has been with Adams & Romer since 2002. After graduating with a degree in psychology from the University of California at San Diego, Nina received her Masters of Social Work from San Diego State University and has been working with children and families since 1989. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, her primary role is to work closely with expectant parents, providing guidance and education in all stages of their adoption plan. Nina assists expectant parents with meeting and matching with an adoptive family, exploring comfortable future contact, and preparing for the hospital time. She also provides post-partum support. Additionally, Nina supports adoptive families in their adoption process.
Lorena Barajas, Senior Administrator, has been with Adams & Romer since 2003. Lorena is most likely the first person who will greet you when you call our office. She will assess your needs and direct you to the appropriate person in the office who can best assist you. Lorena is fluent in Spanish and does an excellent job of ensuring that our office runs smoothly.
Adrienne Kearney, Administrative Assistant, is a friendly voice you hear when calling our office, providing you with information about our adoption services. She is a graduate from the University of California at Santa Barbara with a degree in Biopsychology. Adrienne plays a key role in our office’s ability to provide to quality services to our adoptive and expectant parents.
To speak to us about your adoption-related concern, please e-mail adamsromer@aol.com or call toll free 1-800-U-ADOPT-US (1-800-823-6788).
