David M. Smolin

David M. Smolin is the Harwell G. Davis Professor of Constitutional Law and Director of the Center for Children, Law and Ethics at Cumberland School of Law, Samford University. He holds leadership roles with international organizations including the Hague Conference on Private International Law, International Social Service (ISS/IRC), and serves as a Special Advisor to Child Identity Protection (CHIP). He also chairs the Ethics Committee at Children’s Hospital of Alabama.

Education:

• J.D., University of Cincinnati College of Law (1986), Order of the Coif
• B.A. in Applied Psychology, New College of the University of South Florida (1980)

Research Focus: Smolin specializes in children’s rights, surrogacy ethics, intercountry adoption regulation, and constitutional law. His work emphasizes protecting vulnerable children through legal frameworks, bioethics, and religious perspectives. He contributed to the Verona Principles on international surrogacy standards and advises globally on child trafficking issues.

Professional Engagement: He has presented at major international forums including the Hague Special Commissions (2010/2015), the International Institute of Social Studies (Netherlands), and universities in Brazil, India, and South Korea. Collaborations include co-authoring analyses with his wife, Desiree Smolin, and contributing to the adoption blog Fleas Biting.

Awards:

• 2014 Outstanding Scholar in Adoption Award

Labs/Teams: Leads the Center for Children, Law and Ethics and collaborates with global NGOs like ISS/IRC and CHIP to shape policies on child protection and legal ethics.