Background and Education
Originally from Westlock, Alberta, Lorraine had a successful career in publishing before entering law school. After obtaining two degrees, a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters degree, both from the University of Alberta, she worked as a research editor for The Canadian Encyclopedia and the Historica Foundation, as well as with other independent projects for the City of Edmonton and the Provincial Archives of Alberta.
During her time in law school at the University of Alberta, Lorraine volunteered with Student Legal Services in both the civil and family divisions and with the Edmonton Community Legal Centre. She also worked as a researcher and writer for the Centre for Constitutional Studies, authoring work that has since appeared in publications such as Law Now.
Early in her practice, Lorraine devoted numerous hours to the Legal Aid Alberta roster, assisting Albertans with access to justice. She then joined Verhaeghe Law after several years with a well-respected Edmonton practitioner, where she served clients in and around the central Alberta area.
Lorraine has also been an active member of her community, serving on numerous boards including the Summerside Community League, Tevie Miller School Board and the Friends of the Provincial Archives of Alberta.
Approach to the Law
Lorraine currently practices in the areas of family law, wills and estates and residential real estate. She has appeared in all three levels of court in Alberta – the Provincial Court of Alberta, the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta and the Court of Appeal. Written decisions on some of her cases have been published.
Lorraine’s approach to practice is to first find the most straightforward and cost-effective way to resolution for her clients, as some matters require simple mediation where the parties can discuss the issues and come to a fair and equitable agreement. Other matters are more complex, requiring skilled and effective litigation and advocacy to achieve a successful outcome. Lorraine is equally effective and comfortable with both approaches.
Interests
Lorraine spends much of her spare time assisting her children with their own evolving goals and dreams.