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After nearly five decades practicing family law in Boca Raton, Joel Feldman, J.D., has spent a career guiding people through some of life’s most difficult turning points.

Now, as chair of the College of Social Work and Criminal Justice’s new Philanthropic Advisory Board, he’s channeling that experience into a new season of service: helping build partnerships and opportunities for students across Palm Beach County and beyond.

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A Career Built on High Stakes and High Standards

As a partner at Schwartz Sladkus Reich Greenberg Atlas, LLP (SSRGA), a New York- and Florida-based law firm recognized as Tier 1 in Family Law by U.S. News & World Report, Feldman’s client roster reflects the depth and breadth of his expertise. He’s worked with politicians, corporate executives, and professional athletes from the NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB. His experience spans divorces, premarital and postmarital agreements, child custody disputes, paternity matters, and related family law issues.

Originally from New York, Feldman attended Georgetown University for college and Duke University for law school before launching his career in Florida. His focus on family law evolved, shaped by both opportunity and the deeply human nature of the work.

“People say criminal attorneys see their clients at their best and family law attorneys see their clients at their worst, fighting with their spouses, fighting over their kids, etc.,” he said. “But if these are good people, why wouldn’t you, as an attorney, be there to help them at their worst times?”

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Community-Minded Leader with Record of Service

Feldman’s professional work is matched by his civic engagement. He’s received multiple Outstanding Pro Bono Service Awards from the Florida Supreme Court and the Palm Beach County Legal Aid Society, and he’s served in leadership roles with organizations including Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Palm Beach County and the Florence Fuller Child Development Centers, where he served two terms as president.��

For Feldman, volunteer work has never been something to postpone; he’s sought to give back to his community at every stage of his career. That mindset has shaped his approach to leadership and his commitment to helping others succeed, whether they’re colleagues, students, or the next generation of community leaders.

Dean Naelys Luna, Frank de la Torre, co-faculty advisor to the Mock Trial Club, interim associate dean, and Criminal Justice online instructor; President Adam Hasner, Joel Feldman, PAB chair, co-faculty advisor to the Mock Trial Club, and Criminal Justice adjunct instrand First Lady Jillian Hasner.

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Teaching and Mentoring at Florida Atlantic

As an adjunct professor in the College of Social Work and Criminal Justice, Feldman teaches Judicial Administration, a course that introduces students to understanding state and federal court systems. His students come from a wide range of backgrounds: from pre-law students to those exploring careers in corrections, diversion programs, law enforcement, or the military.��

He brings a distinctive perspective to his method of teaching, incorporating elements of political philosophy to help undergraduates ask deeper questions about law and society.��

“I want students to consider: OK, we have a criminal justice system, but why?” he asked. “Are we more interested in punishing the guilty, or being sure we don’t punish the innocent? What are natural laws? What is the social contract? Why do we do what we do?”

Those questions, he said, should always stay in the background as students build their careers and consider the real-world consequences of policy and practice.

Feldman’s investment in student development extends beyond the classroom. He’s co-faculty advisor to the university’s Mock Trial Club, an organization that recently earned national recognition by placing second in a tournament in November 2025. The program, he noted, gives students early and meaningful exposure to trial work that can provide a “substantial head start” for those pursuing law school.

“We are deeply grateful for Joel’s ongoing commitment to our students and programs,” said Ryan Meldrum, Ph.D., director of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. “His leadership on the Philanthropic Advisory Board and his dedication to the Mock Trial Club, as well as his service in our classrooms as an adjunct professor, exemplify the kind of partnership that strengthens our school and expands opportunities for future leaders in criminal justice.”

Feldman’s commitment is also philanthropic. He has arranged a multi-year donation to support the mock trial team and the college’s plans to host its own regional mock trial competition, strengthening opportunities for students and expanding Florida Atlantic’s growing reputation as the go-to institution for future legal advocates.

Feldman has personally supported the Mock Trial Team with his time, talents, and treasure.��

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Leading with Vision and Purpose

Feldman’s connection to Florida Atlantic began with his wife, Cheryl Wilke, who was a student here when they met. Wilke went on to build her own distinguished legal career as a nationally recognized labor and employment attorney with the law firm of Lewis Brisbois. In 2025, she became the 27th person inducted into FAU’s Alumni Hall of Fame, and today she serves as the �鶹��Ʒ��ƵFoundation's vice chair.

Feldman’s affection for Florida Atlantic—and his pride in its growth—comes through plainly. He takes particular pride in the opportunities the university provides to Florida students from working-class backgrounds.

“The upward mobility that �鶹��Ʒ��Ƶoffers is really tremendous,” he said.

Since the university basketball team made the Final Four in 2023, he’s seen Florida Atlantic’s visibility take off on the national stage.

“I travel extensively for work, and the number of people that now know FAU—around the globe, but particularly in the U.S.—has been heartwarming,” he said.

As for the College of Social Work and Criminal Justice, Feldman credits its growth and direction to the strong leadership of Dean Luna, whose vision helped launch the college and establish its place within the university. In just a few years, the college has created new pathways for students and built an identity that supports student ambition while expanding the school’s role in the Florida region.

“Dean Luna, Tootie Martin, Frank de la Torre, and the people in charge of the criminal justice and social work divisions—they’ve shown tremendous leadership and have truly hit the ground running,” he said. “The fact that they would reach out and make it so inviting for people like me to become part of the university is a testament to the goals of the college.”

“We believe that connecting our students with accomplished community leaders is essential to their education and growth,” said Naelys Luna, Ph.D., MSW, founding dean of the College of Social Work and Criminal Justice. ��“Leaders like Joel bring real-world experience, compassion, and a spirit of service that inspire our students to think beyond the classroom and become thoughtful, ethical, and impactful contributors to our communities.”

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Learn more about our Philanthropic Advisory Board