Areas of Expertise

Dr. Elisabeth Sheff is an expert in legal issues facing gender and sex minorities (GSM), specializing in child custody, divorce, BDSM, employment discrimination, and criminal offenses. An academic sociologist and professional lecturer, Dr. Sheff seamlessly integrates data into testimony and puts her knowledge in social context to help judges and juries understand diverse or unconventional people, their relationships, and families.

Dr. Sheff has studied GSM populations for more than 30 years, conducting primary research on consensual non-monogamy and kink/BDSM and cultivating deep knowledge about others’ research work on LGBT+ populations. Dr. Sheff has thus far published four books and over 30 academic articles, and is widely regarded as an expert by academics, courts, and the media. Sheff has a PhD in Sociology (University of Colorado, Boulder) and is certified as a Sexuality Educator by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). Dr. Sheff also served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for the Fulton County Juvenile Court in Atlanta.

Qualifications

• PhD Sociology
  • University of Colorado, Boulder
• Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian Ad Litem, 2012 – 2018
  • Fulton County Court Appointed Special Advocates, Atlanta GA
• World’s foremost expert on polyamorous families with children
  • Principle Investigator, The Polyamorous Family Study, 25+ year study of polyamorous families with children
  • Published four books and over 30 academic articles and chapters
• Certified Sexuality Educator, 2012 – present
  • American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselor, and Therapists (AASECT)

Appointments

• Editor, Diverse Sexualities, Genders, and Relationships book series with Bloomsburyn Press, 2019 – present
• Member Board of Directors & Research Affiliate, Center for Positive Sexuality, 2017 – present
  • https://positivesexuality.org/about-us/meet-the-staff/researchers/

Court Vitae With Relevant Publications

Client’s Endorsements

Client’s Endorsements

“Your reports are perfect. Not completely one-sided, but they explain what my client might have been doing here, and explains what he was doing in an easy-to-understand way. I think we are going to have an uphill battle, but these are exactly the type of reports I will need to take our best shot.“

~JR, Defense Attorney

 “I just wanted to write to say thank you very much for your testimony in the case. You did such a nice job and we got lots of compliments about the quality of your testimony from people in our office who were watching…we met with the judge for feedback this week and he had really nice things to say about your testimony. He said he thought it was effective and credible, and that your manner with the prosecution came across very well. He said more and I don’t remember it word for word, but it was basically a glowing review of your testimony from a fairly conservative judge. My co-counsel, investigator, and I completely agree and really appreciate your work on this case.“

~LN, Defense Attorney 

“I learned so so much from you and your work… Thank you so much for all you taught me.”

~RM, Defense Attorney

Rates

To Book a Free Consultation

For a free 30 minute initial Expert Witness consultation with Dr. Eli Sheff, email her at dr.eli@sheffconsulting.org