Founded in 1977, and currently chaired by Senior Appellate Attorney Rebecca A. Delfino, the Italian American Lawyers Association is committed to foster social and professional connections among lawyers and judges, as well as to promote and participate in community activities.
Reflecting the authentic Italian spirit, the Association is extremely proactive, and well-known for a number of initiatives and annual events dedicated to the Italian heritage. Among them are the “Installation Ball”, the “Hall of Fame Night” honoring prominent members, and the upcoming “California Supreme Court Night” with the participation of the Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the State’s high court. This year, the “California Supreme Court Night” will take place on Wednesday, December 4, at Casa Italiana in Downtown Los Angeles, featuring an exquisite Italian dinner and live music by Gary Greene, Esq. and His Big Band of Barristers.
In addition, IALA also encourages intercultural relations by organizing special celebrations and meetings in collaboration with other Bar Associations, such as the “Gaelic and Garlic Night” with the Irish American Bar Association, and the “Marco Polo Night” with the Southern California Chinese Lawyers Association and the Japanese American Bar Association.
On Wednesday, November 20, IALA members and guests were invited to an exclusive wine tasting event at Casa Italiana, tirelessly promoted by IALA Public Relation Chair Margherita Palumbo Underhill.
The pleasant evening was opened by introductory remarks by President-Elect Damian D. Capozzola, who made a few announcements, acknowledged the sponsors and special guests, and commemorated the passing of community member Joseph A. Gatto.
While the dinner was being served, some of the sponsors – like Tom Stolpman, who offered his wines from the Stolpman Vineyards for the tasting; Kerns Legal Services President Michael Kern; and Teresa D’Agostaro, Director of Fondazione Italia – were also invited to introduce themselves and their company or mission. Other sponsors were Cavaretta’s Deli, L’Italo-Americano and Il Corriere di Los Angeles newspapers, Pasquini Espresso, and The Meatballs of Comedy represented by Joey Sorice.
The event was, first of all, a great occasion for networking and was attended not only by accomplished members of the legal sector, like IALA Vice President David DiJulio and Past President Steven Mesi. Among the guests were also new lawyers who have just passed the Bar Examination, as well as young Law School students, including a few coming from Italy to continue their education and explore career opportunities in the United States. For all of them IALA can represent an important meeting place, a source of information and advice, as well as a window into the world of work.
After all, this is consistent with IALA’s approach supporting young people who are interested in joining the legal profession by offering an annual scholarship on the basis of academic performance, potential contribution to the Italian American community, and financial needs. This year’s recipient was UCS student of Italian descent Dominic Nunneri.
The Italian American Lawyers Association serves the interests of Italian American fellow citizens in the Los Angeles County, who can be provided not only with professional legal assistance but also with a friendly and comfortable Italian environment.
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