Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
34 Client Reviews
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Birney O'Brian Bull
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About Birney
Biography
- Adoption: The Opportunity of a Lifetime --- The Choice You Can Live With!
The AVVO Rating ...
This number is thought by many lawyers to be helpful in some cases, and wacky and misleading in others. For example, in just a few months --- and for no apparent reason --- mine varied wildly over a range of more than 2 whole points, even reaching 10.0 for a time. No complaints on the 10.0 . . . ;-) . . . , but honestly, it seems to value things that aren't so relevant to our practice --- like helping with local Bar activities; valuable stuff, yes, ... but beneficial to adoption? We don't think so. But we DO have several positive endorsements by other lawyers and many positive Client Reviews!
Personal Info
Mr. Bull served as President of the Board of Savannah Care Center, a crisis pregnancy center, from 1994 to 2009. He was on the Board for two years prior to that, and was again a regular member of the Board in 2010 and 2011. This, and his adoption work, has been very fulfilling.
His wife is a Professor of Fibers at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), and he has two home-grown daughters, one who recently graduated from SCAD, and a special needs daughter who attends Islands High School.
He enjoys running, and music (playing and listening), and used to play golf and tennis when time was easier to find.
Check his office Facebook page at ?ref=ts, and his personal profile is .
Helping people multiply love in their families.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Adoption
100%
43 years | 400 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Pro bono
5 %
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2012 2010
2012
Licenses
Licensed in Georgia for 42 years
State: Georgia
Acquired: 1983
No misconduct found
Location
Adoption Law Office of Birney O'Brian Bull
1903 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA, 31401
www.AdoptNeed.comGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Birney online.
Birney O'Brian Bull's Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 8 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | February 03, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Adoption
So Thankful to have found Mr. Bull
After a couple of miscarriages my husband and I decided we wanted to adopt a baby, and that my husband was also going to do "step-parent" adoption of my children from a previous marriage. After research and talking with a couple of attorney's Mr. Bull came highly recommended. I called and set up a ...
Posted by anonymous | November 01, 2010 | Adoption
Adoption of twin boys
My husband and I wanted to adopt our twin grandsons whom we had custody of. They were born out of state, and neither birth parent could be found. Mr. Bull and his staff did an outstanding job. We were thoroughly informed up front about the process as well as possible problems or hurdles that we m...
Posted by Michelle | October 28, 2010 | Adoption
Fabulous Adoption Lawyer
My family's experience with this lawyer and his staff was amazing. I was not the easiest client in that I had a ton of questions and was constantly in contact, but even with that being said I was always treated with courtesy and respect. They were more than just an adoption lawyer to me because the...
Posted by anonymous | May 31, 2010 | Family
Mr Bull was great!!
Mr. Bull is an excellent lawyer for adoption. He gave us sound advice and went the extra mile to help us adopt our son. I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking adoption services.
Posted by Andy | March 16, 2010 | Adoption
Easiest part of our adoption!
During our international adoption, we had gone through so much that we were weary of the process by the time we got to Birney. He was a breath of fresh air and by far the smoothest and least stressful part of our entire experience. He was very knowledgable and walked us through the process flawlessly...
Birney O'Brian Bull's Lawyer Endorsements
"Birney Bull's name is a byword for Adoption Law in south Georgia. He is a brilliant lawyer, a committed advocate for women and children, and a pleasure to work with."
"I had the privilege of interning for Birney during law school, and I wholeheartedly endorse him. He gave me an education not just in good lawyering, but on what it means to be a counselor and advocate for real people. Now, as a family law attorney, I appreciate those learning lessons and try to use them in my own practice. Birney is an excellent lawyer but also someone with a keen understanding of the human condition, and I would recommend him to anyone needing help in the adoption process."
"This lawyer is knowledgeable, efficient and talented. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Birney is among the most professional lawyers. He sincerely wants to help his clients and is very knowledgeable in the field of adoption."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Bull is one of the finest Adoption Attorneys in his state. Not on is he an outstanding attorney he is compassionate and caring about his clients and our society. Attorney Bull is a strong and zealous advocate and a credit to the legal profession. I highly recommend his legal services."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Birney has used his considerable legal knowledge and skill to develop and nurture a very niche adoption practice that is nothing less than impressive. His passion for adoption law (and compassion for his clients) is palpable when you're around him. I enthusiastically recommend Birney."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Birney is not only an excellent adoption lawyer he is a very fine appellate lawyer too. His decision to practice adoption law came from his strong belief in adoption as the best alternative for unwanted pregnancies. I have worked with Birney on briefs and motions and can attest to his strong analytical, research and writing skills. Birney is kind, compassionate and giving. He is also an excellent and involved parent who understands the importance of nurturing children."
"Birney is passionate about adoption, and about his clients. He is also superb writer! He is the attorney in Savannah for adoptions!"
"Birney is the go-to guy for adoptions. He is extremely knowledgeable, compassionate, and professional. He's at the top of his field."
"I know Birney to be a truly professional and compassionate attorney who is the city specialist in the area of adoption. Birney is, no doubt, the premier adoption attorney in Savannah."
"I have known Birney for the past 10 years and endorse him for anyone seeking an adoption attorney. Although he has a law practice dedicated to this specific area of the law, it is quite clear that his passion and intelligence goes beyond his vocation."
"I am glad to recommend Birney's services as an adoption attorney. He focuses his practice on adoption law and is the most knowledgeable attorney in the Savannah area on the intricacies of that area of the law. He is well-recognized in the legal community as the "go-to guy" for all adoption issues. On top of his extensive knowledge, he handles all of his cases with precision, attention and a passion for his work."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Birney is The Adoption attorney in Savannah. He really cares about his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Birney is the "go to" lawyer for adoptions in Savannah."
"Birney is a terrific lawyer and a great guy. I always refer any adoption-related matters to him only."
"Great guy who has a heart for adoption law. I am happy to recommend Birney."
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Experience
Honors
2025
Inclusion, The Best Lawyers in America (Best Lawyers.com)
2024
Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Pro Bono Advocate Award, Georgia Legal Services
1982
AmJur Award, Highest Grade in Future Interests Law School Class, AmJur / West Publishing
1980
Cum Laude / Dean's List all 4 years of college, Wake Forest University
Work Experience
2003 - Present
Attorney, Adoption Law Office of Birney O'Brian Bull
1997 - 2003
Senior Staff Attorney, Chatham Superior Court
1996 - 1997
Associate, James E. Starnes, Esq.
1991 - 1996
Attorney, Birney O'Brian Bull, Esq.
1985 - 1991
Partner, Ranitz, Mahoney, Forbes & Coolidge, P.C.
1983 - 1985
Law Clerk, State Court of Chatham County
Associations
2007 - Present
Savannah Catholic Lawyers GuildMember
1983 - Present
Savannah Bar AssociationMember
2010 - 2020
Georgia Council of Adoption LawyersFellow (membership dropped in 2020 because of GCAL's activism)
2008 - 2009
Savannah Christian Church Adoption MinistryAdvisor
2006 - 2012
Gateway Behavioral Health ServicesChair, Programs Committee
2004 - 2012
Gateway Behavioral Health ServicesCommunity Service Board Member
1994 - 2008
Savannah Care CenterPres., Board Directors
1992 - 2010
Savannah Care CenterBoard Member
1982 - 1983
Federalist Society chapter - UGA Law SchoolFounder
1981 - 1988
MensaLocSec, NwsLtr. Ed.
Sample of Legal Cases
Adoption Petition SPAD16-00003 & 4 - J4
Granted.
Adoption Petition, 2015-A-19, Liberty Superior Court
Granted.
Adoption Petition, No. 2007-A-005, Bryan County Superior Court
Adoption granted.
Adoption Petition, No. 7256-MO, Chatham County Superior Court
Adoption Granted.
Termination Proceedings, Nos. 0302236 / 0302237, Chatham County Juvenile Court
Erroneous Juvenile Court Ruling Corrected
Education
1983
University of Georgia
JD - Juris Doctor
1980
Wake Forest University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2021
E62: Adoption Lawyer, Down Syndrome Daughter, Passion To Help Orphans Find Homes
Adoption career
2019
Adoption Summit 2019
The Role of Birthmothers in Bonding with Your Adopted Child
2011
Social Justice, Life, and Adoption
Adoption and Social Justice
2011
Adoption in American Society
Adoption Ain't What It Used to Be
2010
Internet Radio Interview (podcast on site)
Three Categories for a Successful Adoption
2010
Adoption: Is It for You?
Adoption: Is It for You?
2009
Exploring the World of Adoption
Exploring the World of Adoption
2009
Exploring the World of Adoption
Exploring the World of Adoption
2008
Mid-Morning Live interview, Sonny Dixon
Adoption
2008
Annual Convention of National Life Center
Adoption and Crisis Pregnancy Center Clients
2008
Adoption and Foster Parenting Information Night
Adoption and Foster Parenting Information
2003
Through the Arches
Adoption
Publications
2024
Savannah Bar Association
Birney O'Brian Bull on Adoption and Legitimacy
2022
Savannah Bar Association
November is National Adoption Month
2011
BiS (Business in Savannah)
BiS Newsmakers, the movers, the shakers, the risk-takers
2011
Something Special Magazine
Birney Bull, The Adoption Attorney and Special Father
2008
Savannah Morning News
Hart to Heart: 'You don't give back your imperfect child'
2008
Savannah Morning News
Promoting adoption as an alternative
2004
Savannah Morning News
Completing a family portrait
2004
SavannahNOW.com
Adoption live chat
2003
Website
www.AdoptNeed.com
2003
Savannah Morning News
City Talk: Local attorney opens adoption law practice
1983
Georgia Journal of International and Comparative Law, 13:575
Income Tax --- Deductions for Facilitating Payments to Foreign Government Officials
Languages
Italian
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Birney earned significant contribution points in 2012.
Legal Answers
Q&A
Question about rights termination
06 Mar 2026
Q&A
Filing pro se “Stepparent Adoption” petition.
06 Mar 2026
Q&A
Adult adoptions should we get a lawyer or is it easier to just file on our own
10 Feb 2026