Message from the President

Dear Members and prospective members of National Italian American Bar Association.

On May 1, 2009, I was sworn in as President of the National Italian American Bar Association. It is with great pride and excitement that I take on the task of leading this wonderful organization for the next two years. Frequently asked questions presented to members of the board and officers are: Why should I join NIABA? What benefits do I receive? Do we even need a national Italian American organization? To me, the answer is obvious. However, others find it much more elusive.

I first met members of NIABA in February 1993 when I traveled to Orlando Florida with my family as a delegate from Rhode Island. Upon entering the room in which the meeting was held, I was approached by Al Affinito of California who introduced himself to me. He immediately reminded me of every uncle I had growing up. He proceeded to bring me around the room, and began introducing me to strangers from around the country. Yet, they did not seem like strangers to me; rather, they were very familiar people. Each would embrace me and kiss me on the check. I had never been so greeted. Certainly not at the Ivy League college I attended, or the law school I graduated from, or any of the many law firms I worked at or became acquainted with.

We do have a stock answer to the question of why NIABA exists. There is the highly recognized and distinguished law Digest published by Syracuse University, recognition and awards to distinguished Italian-Americans in the legal community, scholarships, networking, membership benefits, and assistance with appointments to the bench, and more. To be honest, you can get all of this through other bar associations, and they probably do a better job than NIABA. You will not, however, get the same feeling as I experienced when I entered that room in Orlando.

I grew up in a small Italian-American neighborhood known as Eagle Park in Providence. Virtually all the Italian families that settled there are long gone. Eagle Park, like all the "Little Italys," is a shadow of what it was. The Eagle Park I knew growing up is but a memory. The memory of the various peddlers, the social clubs, the men playing bocce in the park, the sense of a closed knit community. That is why I felt so at home in Orlando, I felt I was back in that community. Since joining NIABA I have found other Justinian organizations throughout the United States and even in other countries. As we travel and meet these paisani, I also have that same warm feeling of belonging, of being at home.

I have relied on this community for referrals of clients, for advise in areas of law in which I am not familiar, for information on cities, names of good restaurants, and help in getting tickets to sporting events. I have met people from around the world that share my passion for life, my sense of family, and appreciation of what is truly important. I can assure you the ABA doesn't give you these same sentiments. Come join us for a meal - we won't mind if you wipe your plate with a piece of bread.