“Home” — what does this word mean? While it may describe the house I live in, to me, home is so much more than a place. It is a feeling of security, belonging, support, and growth. I am fortunate to have two homes — my family home and my Makofsky Valente home.
I joined the firm 31 years ago as a 16-year-old part-time file clerk.The firm was new and small and I had no understanding of Elder Law. What I quickly discovered was how meaningful it felt to help families through some of life’s most difficult and important moments.
Following high school, I earned my associate’s degree in paralegal studies while continuing to work full-time at the firm. Over the years, I grew alongside the practice, serving in nearly every office role before ultimately becoming a senior paralegal and office manager – all while raising three children with my husband, my high school sweetheart who has been with me since the beginning. Somewhere along the way, helping families navigate difficult times became more than a job; it became a passion.
That passion was shaped by both my immigrant upbringing and the 
culture of our all-female firm, where supporting one another, both personally and professionally, has always been a core value. That support was exemplified by my then-boss and now-partner, Ellen Makofsky, whose confidence in me often came long before I had full confidence in myself. With her encouragement, and the support of my family, I completed my undergraduate studies and embarked on the demanding journey of law school while balancing a full-time career and family life. As a first-generation Portuguese-American and the first in my family to attend and graduate law school, I proudly earned my Juris Doctor, graduating cum laude.
Becoming an Elder Law attorney has been a true gift. It is a privilege to help clients and their families through some of life’s most personal legal matters. Today, we still operate out of the same office I first walked into at 16 but in the ensuing years, our incredible team has grown to twelve which includes both attorneys and support staff. Makofsky Valente has become my home away from home. That feeling of warmth, comfort, and peace of mind is exactly what we hope every client and staff member feels when they walk through our doors.
As we celebrate 35 years at Makofsky Valente Law Group, P.C., I am deeply grateful to everyone who helped shape both my journey and the firm’s success. To our clients, staff, family, friends, and especially my partner, Ellen, thank you for your trust, support, encouragement, and belief in me.
I am proud of how far we have come and am excited for what lies ahead as we continue serving our clients and their families with compassion, dedication, and expertise for many years into the future.
This week’s blog was written by our Managing Partner, Lisa Valente, Esq.
