Professional Portfolio

I am asked from time to time how the subjects of this Fra Noi Professional Portfolio column are chosen. Sometimes by referral, but usually reading in some publication about a significant accomplishment or event of an Italian-American from our community. I learned about this month’s subject in reading the most recent issue of Leading Lawyers National Women’s Edition — Janet A. Pioli. Recently featured in the Women’s Edition of Leading Lawyers Network Magazine, Pioli doesn’t save lives, but her work protects the companies that do. A patent lawyer and shareholder at Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione, Pioli represents clients who …

A leading figure of the Italian-American community in the Chicago area, Dr. Dennis R. Pietrini has announced his retirement after a distinguished career in the field of dentistry. He is retiring this summer after 42 years as a dentist, and after having distinguished himself in his profession, as well as dedicating his career to the improvement of the Italian-American condition. To list all of the accomplishments of Dr. Pietrini would require volumes but, in the interest of space, we highlight a number of his significant achievements. Dr. Pietrini is a past president of the Midwest Chapter of the Academy of …

This month we are highlighting the career of highly-respected criminal defense lawyer (etc.) Michael D. Monico. Monico, of Monico & Spevack, has represented politicians, businessmen, and employees of corporations under criminal investigation. The great reputation Mike enjoys is evidenced by the fact that his current clients include several BP employees under investigation by the federal government as part of the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Monico also represents individuals in civil and regulatory investigations. Monico’s clients include defendants facing criminal charges or civil actions involving allegations of public corruption, white-collar offenses, antitrust violations or Medicare or securities …

This month we introduce our community to Michael R. Lufrano, senior vice president, community affairs and general counsel for the Chicago Cubs. Lufrano joined the team in July 2004 and is responsible for Cubs’ community affairs endeavors, government relations efforts, neighborhood relations and charitable activities. He also serves as chief legal counsel for the team. Is there a better career opportunity, especially for sports/baseball fans? In his time with the Cubs, Lufrano has led efforts to develop and maintain positive relations with the community around Wrigley Field, including neighborhood elected officials, residents and businesses. These relationships have helped gain City …

During 2011, Northern Illinois University announced that this month’s subject, Judge Anthony A. Iosco, was appointed to the prestigious position of trustee, a member of the governing board of this highly respected university and law school. The press release set-out the following: “Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has announced that Anthony A. Iosco is one of four appointments to the governing board of Northern Illinois University. “Iosco, a member of the NIU College of Law’s first graduating class (1978), currently serves as a judge in the Circuit Court of Cook County, sitting in the Rolling Meadows courthouse, the 3rd municipal district. …

As we’ve mentioned in these pages, year after year, the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, a highly respected daily newspaper for the Illinois legal community, accepts nominations for its prestigious 40 lawyers under the age of 40 recognition. Every year, our community sees many of its younger attorneys recognized for their accomplishments. One of this year’s individuals recognized, among other Italian Americans, was Claudia Gallo. We highlight her career, adopting, in part, the article about her from the Law Bulletin. Claudia Gallo, 36, is a highly respected, mature-beyond-her-years attorney in a very difficult area of practice. A partner at the highly …

Every year, the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, a highly respected daily newspaper for the Illinois legal community, accepts nominations for its prestigious “40 Under 40” recognition. Every year, our community sees many of its younger attorneys recognized for their accomplishments. One of this year’s honored individuals, among other Italian Americans, was Patrick A. Salvi II. Here are some highlights from Salvi’s burgeoning career, excerpted from the Law Bulletin’s article about him. For the success young Patrick A. Salvi has already enjoyed, it is hard to believe that he has been practicing law for only a little more than four years. …

Our extended ethnic community lost a giant recently, the highly respected Lawrence J. Ferolie, distinguished lawyer and leading Italian American in Rockford. Lawrence, 90, loved his family, the law and Italy. Larry passed away on Sunday, July 29, 2012, in his home, having lived in Rockford for all but one of those years when he went to his mother’s birthplace, Gallarate, Italy to go to school for a year and receive his First Holy Communion. He made over 30 trips to Italy, reconnecting his American family with the Italian cousins his mother sent care packages to during World War II. …

This month we highlight the distinguished career of Philip J. Castogiovanni, assistant general counsel for the international firm of Beam Inc. Beam is the producer of brand-name spirits like Jim Beam bourbon and Skinny Girl cocktails, among other highly recognized and successful products. One does not become a general counsel of a multinational multibillion-dollar corporation without having great talent and experience in the practice of law. Philip previously worked at the highly respected national firm of McDermot, Will & Emery as a compensation and benefits partner, a very complicated and specialized area of the law. Though Phil was successful in …

In June 2013, Al Salvino began his 50th year in the investment industry, with more than 30 years at William Blair & Company. It is a record that represents stability, dependability and loyalty to both his clients and the firm. Al joined William Blair in 1988 and became a partner of the firm in 1990. When sons Tom and John joined the firm, they formed the Salvino Wealth Management Team. Partners of the firm, they strongly believe that the team approach is one of the keys to their success. “We admire the Mayo Clinic model,” says John. Founded by a …