Lorraine is a talented attorney with a solid reputation throughout the state of New York. Passionate about several areas of law, she serves a diverse group of clients, many of whom speak highly of her unique blend of sensitivity and professionalism. Lorraine is highly committed to her clients. Fellow attorneys also regularly commend Lorraine for her proactive approach and her professional integrity. If you are currently feeling stressed or overwhelmed due to pressing legal concerns, you are encouraged to reach out to Lorraine.
Education and Professional Background
Long before she was one of Ithaca’s most trusted attorneys, Lorraine was a hardworking student at the State University of New York at Cortland. Following a very rewarding undergraduate career, she graduated summa cum laude from SUNY Cortland with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1993. Soon after, she realized that she could best pursue her love of serving others by joining the legal community. She enrolled at the Vermont Law School and received her Juris Doctor in 1998.
She was honored to be selected to participate in a student judicial clerkship in 1997 for the Honorable Norman H. Stahl, United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, wherein she prepared bench memoranda for oral argument, researched complex issues of law and assisted the Court in preparation of draft and published decisions. Ms. Moynihan Schmitt is admitted in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York wherein she has been involved in complex tobacco litigation. She is also dually admitted to practice in both New York State courts and Massachusetts courts . In addition, she was the Attorney to the Town of Lansing Planning Board and Town of Lansing ZBA from 2007-2015 and currently is appointed as an Attorney to the Town of Ithaca.
Lorraine then furthered her understanding of law while working at the law firm of Wiggins & Masson, and later, as a partner of the law firm of Thaler & Thaler from 2007- 2015. More recently, she has decided to serve the Ithaca community through her own law firm. Lorraine’s firm handles a variety of cases, including those involving general practice, estate planning and estate litigation, real estate, business law, family law, guardianships, environmental law including zoning and land use matters, civil litigation, and landlord-tenant disputes.
Associations and Memberships
It is of utmost importance for lawyers to maintain involvement with the legal community after graduating from law school. Not only do the connections created through this involvement prove invaluable, membership in professional associations can also greatly improve lawyers’ knowledge and courtroom skill. Eager to provide the best possible service for her clients, Lorraine maintains an active presence in several esteemed organizations. She is a member of the Tompkins County, New York State, and Massachusetts Bar Associations. Ms. Moynihan Schmitt served on the Board of Directors, United Way Tompkins County from 1999-2002. She has served as a Board Trustee of the Ithaca Sciencenter’s Board of Trustees and/or Advisory Board from 1999 to present, and has previously served in the Ithaca Sciencenter Board Officer positions of Secretary and Vice Chair. She has also served as NYS legislative delegate for the Tompkins County Bar Association.
High-Quality Legal Representation
Whether you are in the midst of estate planning, buying or selling a home, forming a business or in a stressful litigation or family law case, you can depend on Lorraine for excellent and legal service. A results-driven and client committed lawyer, with an impressive understanding of several practice areas, Lorraine works hard to serve the best interests of her clients by advising her clients of their options, meeting their legal objectives and also addressing their questions and concerns.