Stephen J. Cullen

Stephen J. Cullen is the head of the Family Law & Private Clients Group at Miles & Stockbridge, a practice recognized as top ranked in Washington, D.C. by the 2025 Chambers High Net Worth Guide. He represents clients in complex family law matters, including divorce, custody, child support, alimony, adoption, guardianships, and reputation management disputes.

Stephen earned a Master of Arts with Honors in Italian from the University of Edinburgh in 1981, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Glasgow in 1982, an LL.B from the University of Edinburgh in 1989, and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the University of Edinburgh in 1990. He also earned a Trauma-Informed Lawyer Certification from the Law Society of Scotland in 2022.

Stephen is a Fellow of both the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the International Academy of Family Lawyers. He is widely recognized for his work involving interstate, international, and UCCJEA family law matters. His practice includes extensive experience with the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction and related international custody disputes.

Stephen has received numerous professional honors throughout his career. His recognitions include Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, Washington D.C. Super Lawyers, Maryland Super Lawyers, the American Bar Association Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year Award, Maryland Trial Lawyer of the Year, Baltimorean of the Year, and an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

Stephen has served in many leadership and professional roles, including as director of the firm’s Pro Bono Advocacy Program for fifteen years. He has also advised United States delegations on international child abduction matters and served on international legal committees focused on family law and child participation proceedings.

Stephen J. Cullen is admitted to practice in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Scotland, and England & Wales. Before becoming an attorney in the United States, he worked as a high school teacher in Scotland and later practiced law in Edinburgh, bringing a broad international perspective to his family law practice.

Law Office Affiliations

• Principal, Miles & Stockbridge P.C.
• Member, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
• Member, International Academy of Family Lawyers
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Anne Arundel County Bar Association: Family Law Committee
• Chair, Baltimore County Bar Association: Family Law Committee (2013-2014)
• Member, Bar Association of Baltimore City: Family Law Committee
• Member, International Bar Association
• Member, Montgomery County Bar Association

Licensed State

• District of Columbia
• Maryland
• Scotland
• England & Wales

Education

• University of Edinburgh
  Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
• University of Edinburgh
  Master of Arts (MA)

Awards & Badges