Atty. Bernadette Alonzo Cortes, finalist in the 2024 Women Changing the World Awards and co-author of Women Living Fearlessly, continues to redefine leadership in Australia’s legal landscape. Having earned top academic distinctions in Australia and practising in litigation and commercial law, she embodies a model of modern leadership anchored in conviction, faith and service to the people.
“I was often perceived as an introvert, physically weak and below average student [compared to] my family,” Atty. Bernadette shared in an interview with The Philippine Times. But her parents’ support laid the foundation for her belief in purpose and resilience. “They instilled in me a strong moral compass and encouraged me to pursue education, believing in my potential even when I doubted myself.”
Initially, Atty. Bernadette pursued a degree in travel, driven by a childhood dream of visiting Disneyland. However, financial challenges during her final year of study led her to pause her education and work as an usherette and later as an à la carte chef at a prestigious Manila restaurant. This path eventually took her to Florida, USA, where she faced significant hardships.
“Despite these adversities, my family remained my anchor… inspiring me to turn my challenges into lessons for others,” she said. With her family’s support, Bernadette moved to Australia to pursue a Master’s degree; and she “worked tirelessly to adapt to the accents and lifestyle in Adelaide”. She went on to earn top academic distinctions and become a litigation and commercial law practitioner.
Early in her legal career, she experienced racism and exclusion. “I was subjected to hurtful remarks, being called a ‘brown monkey’ and labelled a ‘liability to the government’.” But Atty. Bernadette credits prayer, reflection and the guidance of her Principal for helping her with a powerful message: “Never allow anyone to humiliate or discriminate against you. Respect yourself and stand firm, because only the tough survive in this profession.” And so prayer, focus and determination guided her through difficult times and inspired her to be a source of encouragement and support to others.
Being named a finalist at the Women Changing the World Awards was a defining moment. “This recognition… has changed the way people perceive and respect me… I take comfort in knowing that [my parents] are watching over me, happy and cheering me on from above,” Atty. Bernadette said.
As one of only 20 selected writers among 200 finalists, she contributed to Women Living Fearlessly, a book that “was given as a gift in Oscars and other prominent people in the world,” and has also put her face in Times Square, New York, “[a] truly amazing experience,” she noted. “This recognition is an achievement I will forever hold close to my heart… It has not only inspired me but also deepened my commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.” She hopes her story empowers others “to see the potential for growth and empowerment in their own lives”.
Atty. Bernadette is preparing to launch her firm, Cortes Lawyers. “It is my hope that Cortes Lawyers will become a beacon of support for those seeking justice and guidance.” Together with her husband, finance expert Chris Mendonez, they work to help clients make informed legal and financial decisions. “With full conviction, I pledge to uphold the integrity of the court and continue my unwavering commitment to serving others,” she vowed.
To young or aspiring lawyers, especially from marginalised communities, she offers this nugget of wisdom: “Embrace your colour, your language and your heritage to lead the way.” She explains further: “Never be embarrassed by your accent or your background, because you are not here to compete in a beauty pageant. You are a Legal Practitioner, and your role is to advocate for your clients with strength and conviction.”
In every chapter of her journey, Atty. Bernadette Cortes leads with purpose. “To have integrity and grit is to rise above challenges,” she says. As she prepares to open Cortes Lawyers, she carries not just her parents’ dreams, but a promise to uphold justice with compassion, and to remind others—especially those from the margins—that they, too, can lead fearlessly, grounded in who they are.
