Due to advanced reproductive technologies, families are springing into existence in ways the U.S. legal system never envisioned. LGBT families are a part of this cresting wave in American jurisprudence. What makes a parent — biology or consent? What makes a family — form or function? From birth certificates to custody, from surrogacy to adoption bans, our distinguished panel of experts will discuss the cutting edge legal, legislative, and practical issues involving our nation’s LGBT families. Speakers include Joyce Kauffman, former co-chair of the Massachusetts Lesbian and Gay Bar Association and former chair of MLGBA’s Family Law Section, Courtney Joslin, Acting Professor at UC Davis School of Law, Elizabeth F. Schwartz, AV Rated attorney, whose practice emphasizes representation of the LGBT community in family formation, William S. Singer, partner in Singer & Fedun, LLC,  Deborah H. Wald, founder and senior partner at the Wald Law Group and Michele Zavos, principal in the Zavos Juncker Law Group, PLLC.