Miami Law Alumnus Andrew Leinoff and Wife Ellen Establish Scholarship for Students Interested in Family Law

Family law attorney Andrew Leinoff, J.D. '74, and his wife, Ellen, have established an endowed scholarship at Miami Law for students who have an interest in pursuing a career in family law. The recipients will be known as Leinoff Scholars.

By UM News 05-20-2013

Leinoff said that he and his wife decided to establish the scholarship not only because he was fortunate enough to have attended Miami Law but because both their sons, Paul and Max, also graduated from the school. Paul received his J.D. degree in 2005, and Max received his J.D. degree just one week ago.

"Both sons will be practicing with my firm," said Leinoff, who is the founder of Leinoff & Lemos, P.A, a boutique family law firm in Miami. "What greater pleasure than to robe two children at law school graduation and to have them both work with you afterwards. I never dreamed that this would ever happen."

Born in New Jersey, Leinoff received his bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University. He is certified as an arbitrator by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and is also certified in Marital and Family Law. He is the author of "Protecting Children of Divorce," published in The Florida Bar Journal, and has been a guest lecturer at Miami Law, the University of Florida Levin College of Law, and The Florida Bar.

"This scholarship is meant to encourage students to pursue the field of family law not only as a job but, more importantly, to help many in their moments of crisis," Leinoff explained. "So many clients have come through our doors over the years. We have tried to help as many as possible and have received so many letters of appreciation — even years later."

During his time at Miami Law, Leinoff was a member of Phi Delta Alpha. He is listed in Best Lawyers of America, and was selected as one of the top 100 lawyers in the United States by Worth magazine. He is also former president of the Florida chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

"The School has been very good to our family," said Leinoff. "I have often lectured at the family law classes and have been treated with respect, and feel as if I am one of the family."

What was his most memorable moment in law school? "The first day and the last day," he replied. "The rest is but a blur!"