 While raising the children , Ferraro worked part @-@ time as a civil lawyer in her husband 's real estate firm for 13 years . She also occasionally worked for other clients and did some pro bono work for women in family court . She spent time at local Democratic clubs , which allowed her to maintain contacts within the legal profession and become involved in local politics and campaigns . While organizing community opposition to a proposed building , Ferraro met lawyer and Democratic figure Mario Cuomo , who became a political mentor . In 1970 , she was elected president of the Queens County Women 's Bar Association . 
