The good Cornellians can do: Lorraine Miguel Medeiros ’01

Growing up in Jersey City, New Jersey, Lorraine Miguel Medeiros ’01 recalls watching The People’s Court, a reality TV show, with her mom. The fact that any person was considered equal under the law deeply impressed her. Lorraine’s mom was an immigrant from Portugal who worked hard to support her family as an entrepreneur and non-native speaker of English.

“The idea of equality and fairness for everyone—not just some—touched my heart deeply,” Lorraine says. “Being a child of immigrants from Portugal, the immigrant experience speaks to me personally. It is my story.”

When Lorraine decided to become a lawyer, she recalls the advice her mother shared, “Never forget where you came from and always remember to help others when you can."

Now, as the owner of her own law firm, Lorraine is in a position to help others in her community. Her pro bono clients include victims of domestic violence, adults and children who are mentally incapacitated, those seeking asylum, and retired schoolteachers (whom she assists with estate planning).

“It is an honor to do this pro bono work—work that fills me with purpose,” Lorraine says.

Cornellians around the globe are sharing how they do good in communities big and small. Share your own story.