About Joel Michael
Joel Michael Greenberg is an attorney specializing in adoption and estate planning law — He practices at Greenberg & Greenberg, located at 3 Sierks Lane in Roslyn, New York. With over six decades of legal experience, Mr. Greenberg has dedicated his career to assisting families through the intricate details of adoption and related legal matters. His extensive knowledge in this field is complemented by a strong educational background—he earned his Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School in 1960 and holds a Bachelor of Arts from New York University. Mr. Greenberg's professional journey began as an associate and later a partner at Spar & Greenberg, where he handled a variety of immigration law matters, including deportation and green card issues. His interest in adoption law was sparked by a deeply personal experience—he adopted his son, James, from Bogotá, Colombia, in 1973.
This pivotal moment in his life led him to represent numerous couples in adopting children from various countries, including Colombia, Guatemala, Peru, and China. His personal connection to adoption has fueled his focus on helping families handle the requirements of the process. An active member of the New York State Bar Association, Mr. Greenberg has made significant contributions to the field of adoption law. He co-authored a chapter on International Adoption in "Adoption Law in New York," published by the Association. His expertise is not limited to legal practice; he has also served as a mentor and advisor to attorneys within the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) on international adoption issues. His guidance has been invaluable to many legal professionals seeking to expand their knowledge in this specialized area.
Recognition for Mr. Greenberg's contributions to the field has come in various forms. He received the Hispanic Counseling Center's Humanitarian of the Year award and has been honored with several citations from Nassau County, the Town of Hempstead, and the State of New York. These accolades reflect his commitment to improving the lives of children and families through adoption and legal advocacy. In addition to his legal practice, Mr. Greenberg frequently speaks at national adoption conferences and has contributed to the book "Be My Baby," sharing his personal adoption story to inspire others. Beyond his legal work, Mr.
Greenberg co-founded and directs People Need Caring, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to meeting the medical and other needs of orphaned children and impoverished individuals worldwide. His commitment to social justice and humanitarian efforts is evident in both his professional and personal endeavors. Admitted to practice law in New York, Mr. Greenberg is currently in good standing with the New York State Bar. His experience and dedication to adoption law have made him a trusted resource for families navigating the adoption process, ensuring that they receive the support and guidance they need.