Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marla Neufeld. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Marla, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Looking back at the decisions you made early in your career, particularly whether to join a firm or start your own, do you feel you made the right choice for that stage of your career?

I was under the impression that once you decide to start a family, you toss the birth control and give it the ‘old college try’. BAM! There you are in your cute maternity jeans, booking your family trip to Disney World. I was surely mistaken. The reality – my husband and I suffered through years of failed infertility treatments, disappointment and expense. We attempted IUI (Intrauterine Insemination), IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), injected boxes of hormones, took steroids, blood thinners, etc. and endured multiple miscarriages. Ultimately we had success with the use of a gestational surrogate who carried and gave birth to our beautiful twin boys.

Prior to my infertility experience, I practiced only transactional law. My infertility/surrogacy journey inspired me to branch out my practice where i founded Greenspoon Marder’s surrogacy and reproductive technology law practice group, awarding me the pleasure of helping others. I know firsthand that surrogacy is daunting and I can now help others navigate through the system to understand the process and the legal implications.

Marla, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

After numerous fertility treatments and multiple miscarriages, my husband and I reached a baby making cross roads and had to reassess our game plan. We had several frozen embryos remaining from a prior cycle. I could try IVF again by means of a FET (Frozen Embryo Transfer) but as much as I wanted to be pregnant and carry our baby my chances of success were very slim; ultimately our doctor approved us for surrogacy.
Although my husband was thrilled, I was initially unsettled with the decision. My pregnant friends made comments like, “at least you won’t get fat or have morning sickness”. Those who have never experienced IVF have no idea how frustrating this is to hear. This was initially upsetting, I knew their hearts were in the right place and I ultimately took their comments in stride.

The surrogacy journey moved forward. Finding a surrogacy agency, surrogate, attorney, finalizing medical and psychological testing, and finishing the surrogacy contract took 6 months. During that time, I was able to process everything and was excited about the opportunity. Financial concerns are of paramount importance as surrogacy can range from $60,000 to $150,000 plus. Some expenses include medical costs for IVF, medications, two attorneys: one to write the contract and one to review for the surrogate, surrogate agency fee, medical insurance for the surrogate and reasonable living expenses of the surrogate.

Having experienced years of infertility personally and ultimately working with a surrogate to have a family, this unique experience shaped how I got into the surrogacy legal industry. My legal expertise focuses on representing intended parents who want to have a child via surrogacy and/or egg, sperm or embryo donation, or separately representing surrogates, egg/sperm/or embryo donors to ensure they understand the legal obligations involved with the process.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

In order to build a good reputation within a community, be it law or any other business, I think it is important that you feel passionate about what you do professionally to allow this passion to shine thru in all endeavors. Having personally experienced years of infertility and working with a surrogate, I know first hard how challenge the surrogacy process can be and I am extremely grateful that I have the opportunity to help others grow a family via third party assisted reproductive technologies.

Due to my passion for helping others grow a family, I take the opportunity to educate, advocate and be a resource for those looking for guidance on the legal issues involved with third party assisted reproduction. Getting involved with various outreach organizations by donating my time and expertise i believe can assist with continuing to develop a good reputation.

Some examples of educating others on assisted reproduction is a book published by the American Bar Association that I co-authored with another experienced surrogacy and adoption attorney, Jeffrey Kasky, called “The ABA Guide to Assisted Reproduction: Techniques, Legal Issues, and Pathways to Success” (https://www.amazon.com/ABA-Guide-Assisted-Reproduction-Techniques/dp/1634250176)

I also donate my time and expertise to an organization called Men Having Babies (https://www.menhavingbabies.org/), which provides financial and educational support to men growing their family via surrogacy. I also speak at numerous institutions regarding surrogacy and third party assisted reproduction.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

My area of law is extremely emotional, and I know that for many of my clients, the surrogacy process is their first time having the experience of working with an attorney.

i make an effort to keep my clients well informed on the status of items I am working on for them, and also, to respond as quickly as reasonably possible so that their concerns are addressed. Good communication, including updates and timely responses allow the client to alleviate the inherit stress that is involved when dealing with a legal process.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/marla-neufeld/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/surrogacy-attorney-fl
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuzNdcH2YDXJBoMXLt-xc7Q