Board Certified Adoption Attorney

Jeanne T. Tate is a pioneer in the field of adoption law and one of the most decorated attorneys in Florida's adoption legal history. She is an attorney at Tate Healey Webster, the largest law firm in Florida devoted exclusively to adoption and assisted reproductive technology (ART) law. With a career spanning over four decades, Jeanne has helped shape the future of adoption law through her casework, her leadership, and her legislative advocacy—earning her national recognition and the deep respect of the legal community.

Jeanne is board-certified in adoption law by The Florida Bar and has devoted her career to representing adoptive families, agencies, and professionals in all aspects of adoption and contested litigation. She has been integrally involved in advancing adoption legislation, mentoring attorneys across the country, and leading reform efforts to streamline and protect the adoption process.

National Recognition and Lasting Legacy

A Fellow of the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (AAAA) and a longtime member of the Florida Adoption Council (FAC), Jeanne has served as President of FAC and on numerous state committees, including the Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission (appointed by Governor Scott and Governor DeSantis), the Adoption Law Certification Committee, and the University of Florida Law School Board of Trustees. She also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Florida Levin College of Law, where she taught Adoption Law & Procedure for almost six years.

Throughout her career, Jeanne has been honored with the most prestigious awards in Florida law, including:

  • The Tobias Simon Pro Bono Service Award (Florida Supreme Court’s highest honor for pro bono work)
  • The Angel in Adoption Award from the U.S. Congress
  • The Florida Adoption Council Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Awarded a Key to the City of Tampa by Mayor Jane Castor
  • The Small Business Leader of the Year by the Tampa Chamber of Commerce
  • Repeated inclusion in Super Lawyers, Florida’s Legal Elite, Best Lawyers in America, and Top 100 Lawyers in Florida

She has appeared on national television—including CNN, 20/20, and ESPN—to speak on adoption, and her impact has reached beyond courtrooms into state houses, classrooms, and communities.

Jeanne is AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell and was featured on the cover of Super Lawyers Magazine for the State of Florida, recognized as one of the Top 10 Attorneys statewide. You can read the article here: https://www.superlawyers.com/articles/florida/family-matters-3/

Jeanne has built a legacy of excellence, integrity, and compassion in the world of family creation. She continues to shape the firm’s vision, mentor the next generation of attorneys, and fiercely advocate for children and families across Florida and beyond.

Education

University of Florida, College of Law Juris Doctor with Honors, 1981
University of Florida B.A., Journalism with High Honors, 1979

Bar Admissions

United States Supreme Court
Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals
Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
Florida Supreme Court
Florida Bar

Awards & Affiliations

Top 10: Florida Super Lawyers: 2019 - 2024
Top 50: Tampa Bay Super Lawyers: 2017 - 2025
Top 50: Women Florida Super Lawyers: 2012 - 2013, 2015 - 2025
Top 100: Florida Super Lawyers: 2017 - 2025
Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating (2022)
40-year anniversary milestone in the practice of law (2022)
Board Certified in Adoption Law
U.S. Congressional Angel in Adoption Award
Best Lawyers in America
Florida Super Lawyers (Top 10 Lawyers In State)
Florida’s Legal Elite
Florida Adoption Council’s Lifetime Achievement Award
Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers (HAWL) Achievement Award
Tobias Simon Pro Bono Service Award (the highest statewide pro bono award given by the Florida Supreme Court)
Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers
Adjunct Professor at the University of Florida College of Law, where she taught Adoption Law and Procedure
Tampa Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Leader of the Year
Adjunct Professor at the University of Florida College of Law, where she taught Adoption Law and Procedure
Fellow of Distinction Award, American Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys
Top Lawyer in Family Law & Adoption, Tampa Magazine
Waves of Change Award Winner, The Centre for Women
Appointed by two governors to serve on Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission

Professional Associations

Florida Adoption Law Certification Committee
Florida Judicial Nominating Procedures Committee
Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission
Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court Nominating Committee
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Your Trusted Partner in the Adoption & Surrogacy Process

With years of experience and a commitment to personalized service, Tate Healey Webster Adoption Attorneys is proud to be a trusted partner in adoption throughout the state. We understand that every adoption is unique, which is why we offer tailored legal solutions and support. If you’re ready to begin your adoption journey, contact us today. Let us help you bring your family closer together through the miracle of adoption.

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