Adrienne Pierangeli
What’s your current position?
I am an attorney at the law firm Brian J. Cali & Associates. I have been in the practice for over 10 years and focus on family law, including divorce, custody, domestic relations, and Protections from Abuse. I am also appointed by the Courts as a guardian ad litem to meet with families and provide reports to the Court about the interests of the children with the families I work with.
What would you say most motivates you to do the work you do?
I recognize that when most clients are at our firm and need our services they are experiencing a transition in their life that is emotional and sometimes tumultuous. For most clients, the legal process is foreign to them and can add additional stress to their life. I focus each day on the clients and their needs and make it a priority to provide them with information and explanations about each step of the legal process while also trying to reassure them that they have support and will get through this period in their life. At the end of cases I tell clients I am sad to see them go because we build trusting relationships and to me our interactions are positive while I am sure most clients are grateful to not need to be in their attorney’s office again.
Where did you grow up and did you go to a college/trade school after high school?
I grew up in Scranton, moved to Gouldsboro when I went to high school at North Pocono and attended the University of Scranton for my undergraduate degree. I then went to law school in Manhattan and altough I always dreamed about living in “the big city,” I was eager to return to NEPA following my law school graduation. I was drawn back to NEPA with a drive to stay connected to where I grew up, to help those in my community and surrounding area like I was helped and supported when growing up, and to contribute to the preservation of all that is NEPA.
Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are?
My parents of course made an impact on who I am. My parents are both Scranton natives and have committed their lives to NEPA and it’s residents. My mother was a nurse and nursing professor and volunteers at hospice. My father’s career was centered around helping individuals with disabilities; providing vocational training and job placement and working with legislators on laws to protect and promote the interests and needs of those with disabilities. In retirement my parents continue to help the community with the “Pierangeli’s pedals” program where they receive donated bicycles, refurbish them, and donate them to local shelters. They have instilled in me a sense of “other’s first” which I strive to emanate and practice.
How did you learn about Leadership Lackawanna?
I originally participated in the Tomorrow’s Leaders Today program, I believe class of 2004. I have always been interested in the other programs offered by Leadership Lackawanna when I happened upon the Core program. As part of a small business in NEPA I believe that continued community engagement in areas outside of my practice area are crucial to my own development and my membership as a citizen of NEPA. I have learned about so many programs and community opportunities through my participation in the Core program that I otherwise was unaware. I have gleaned new relationships with individuals in my Core class and the Alumni of Leadership Lackawanna that I will forever cherish. I encourage everyone, no matter your history with NEPA, to apply for one of the many Leadership Lackawanna programs as there are outstanding resources and opportunities to learn about in our community that you may otherwise not be aware. Since my graduation I have stayed on in the Core program as an advisor which has provided me with the opportunity to stay engaged in the NEPA community, which I am grateful.