ITALIAN AMERICAN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION |
2025 President's Message IALA was formed in 1977, by five attorneys, one judge, and a generous donation from Frank Sinatra, at a time when there was significant discrimination against Italian Americans. The mission statement of the organization is broad; among other things, it is to promote the advancement of Italian Americans and others of merit to the bench, to further the community’s understanding of Italian culture, to provide services to the larger community, and to foster a spirit of friendship among IALA members and others “by providing a friendly forum in which all members of the State Bar can enjoy good company and cuisine while listening to speakers on a variety of legal and extracurricular topics of interest.” If you have been to our monthly meetings, I hope you will agree that our events align with this mission. IALA has a proud legacy, and with the start of each new board year, we have the opportunity to reflect on our values and mission, and to renew our commitment to serving the legal profession and the larger world around us. Our theme this year will be “L’unione fa la forza,” “Unity Makes Strength.” This simple but powerful phrase embodies a principle that is foundational to Italian culture, but also universal. It reflects what so many of us as lawyers know to be true – the power of collaboration and the importance of unity. When we bring together diverse perspectives, when we amplify each other’s voices, and when we stand shoulder to shoulder in the pursuit of justice, we are stronger. This year, with “L’unione fa la forza” as our guide, we will focus on social and economic justice and how we, as a unified community, can contribute to change. We will continue having important discussions about subjects like access to justice and the role of the courts. We will continue collaborating with our sibling bar associations, to build bridges, foster community, and demonstrate that unity is not just a motto but a guiding principle that drives action. We will continue hosting events that celebrate Italian culture, offering opportunities to connect with Italy’s rich history and contributions to the legal profession and the world. And we also will continue mentoring the next generation of lawyers, creating opportunities for them to make connections and thrive. As we know, mentoring is not just an act of service, but an investment in the future of our profession and our community. As we embark on our 2025 board year, I want to take a moment to reflect on why we do this work. Why we take time away from our families and friends, our jobs, and our personal lives to plan events, attend board meetings, attend committee meetings, attend subcommittee meetings, and attend the meeting at which we plan the meetings. Why do we do this. I cannot answer for everyone, but I suspect that for many of us the answer is the same. The work is meaningful and fulfilling. We gain from it a sense of purpose and get to be part of something greater than ourselves. We grow friendships that enrich our lives. And we are given the opportunity to honor those who have come before us, by advancing the ideals that have defined so many immigrant communities for generations: hard work, resilience, and a commitment to doing what is right. These are values that I learned from my Parents, who taught me the importance of community, history, acting ethically and with integrity, and vigilantly protecting the human dignity of others. Because, as my Dad taught me and one of my college professors put it, when the fundamental rights of any group, no matter how small, are violated, the freedom and liberty of all of us, is put at risk. As we commence this board year, I am looking forward to working with our officers, board, members, and friends, to advance IALA’s mission, and I invite you to participate. Whether it is by volunteering for a committee, mentoring a law student, attending our events, or simply sharing your ideas, your involvement is what makes our association vibrant. Italians say “nessuno può fare tutto, ma tutti possono fare qualcosa,” “no one can do everything, but everyone can do something." Please join us. I also want to thank all of IALA’s past presidents, officers and board members for their dedication. You have laid the strong foundation upon which the 2025 officers and board will be able to build. To this year’s officers and board, I look forward to working alongside you to make this a year of progress, inclusivity, and celebration. Let us honor our past, embrace our present, and shape our future together. Let us show that when we unite, we are indeed stronger. L’unione fa la forza.
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