Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
Catherine R. (Caifano) Locallo ascended to the presidency of the Justinian Society of Lawyers at the society’s installation and awards dinner on May 15 at RPM Events Chicago. Enrico J. Mirabelli was presented with the society’s Award of Excellence at the event. Joining Locallo as officers are First Vice President Michael R. Bertucci, Second Vice President Judge Jill Cerone-Marisie, Third Vice President Michael R. Grieco, Treasurer Sarah M. LeRose and Secretary Dominic C. LoVerde.
The following profiles were provided by the Justinians.
Enrico J. Mirabelli
Award of Excellence
Enrico J. Mirabelli, an Equity Partner at Beermann LLP, is one of Illinois’ most respected family law attorneys, with an extraordinary legal career spanning 43 years. Known for his legal acumen, public service and dedication to preserving cultural heritage, Mr. Mirabelli has been honored with the 2025 Award of Excellence by the Justinian Society of Lawyers, recognizing his distinguished contributions to law, community and Italian American advocacy.
Mr. Mirabelli’s legacy in family law is both deep and wide-reaching. Over the course of his career, he has handled some of the most complex and precedent-setting cases in the state. A 10-year member of the Illinois State Bar Association Board of Governors, he has also served on the ISBA General Assembly and the Family Law Section Council. A sought-after educator, he frequently lectures at legal seminars hosted by the American Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association and Chicago Bar Association, and has taught family law at John Marshall, Loyola, and DePaul Law Schools.
His legal prowess extends beyond the courtroom to the legislative process, where he has testified before committees in Springfield on proposed family law reforms. Mr. Mirabelli is also a two-time recipient of the Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Corporation Distinguished Service Award and was honored by The John Marshall Law School for his dedication to public service. He received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Legal Assistance Foundation for his pro bono work in the high-profile “Baby Christopher” case (In Re: Adoptions of Indian Children, 1995).
A defining moment in Mr. Mirabelli’s legal career came in 2003, when he successfully argued In Re Parentage of M.J. v. Banary before the Illinois Supreme Court. This landmark decision established new law regarding the parental responsibilities of unmarried men in cases involving children conceived through artificial insemination. The ruling clarified the legal obligations of men toward children born to their partners through assisted reproductive technology — an area previously undefined in Illinois law — and has had a lasting impact on family law in the state.
Mr. Mirabelli has also played a significant role in defending and promoting the dignity of Italian Americans through the legal system. In 2002, he represented, pro bono, the Italian American Defense Association in its case against HBO for the negative portrayal of Italian Americans in the television series “The Sopranos.” That case, AIDA v. HBO, sought to challenge harmful cultural stereotypes and was heard by the Illinois Appellate Court. Though the legal grounds for action were ultimately not sustained, the case marked an important stand in the fight for cultural fairness and representation.
In 2022, Mr. Mirabelli again took up a cause dear to the Italian American community — this time working tirelessly and entirely pro bono to lead the legal and civic effort to restore the Columbus statue to its rightful place in Arrigo Park. His leadership, advocacy and strategic acumen were instrumental in navigating the complex political and legal landscape surrounding the statue’s removal and eventual reinstatement. For this effort, he was previously honored with the Moses Harrison Award of Excellence by the Justinian Society, a recognition now followed by this year’s Award of Excellence.
In 2019, he received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, celebrating his lifelong dedication to charitable service and the advancement of civil rights through law. He has also been named year after year to The Best Lawyers in America in the field of Family Law, a testament to his peer-recognized excellence and enduring influence.
Reflecting on his career, Mr. Mirabelli shares, “I may be in the autumn of my career, but I practice every day like it is spring.” Of all his achievements, none makes him more proud than seeing his eldest son, Justino, follow in his footsteps and join the practice of law. “Helping good people go through bad times is its own reward,” Mr. Mirabelli says. “I have always felt privileged that people have placed their trust and confidence in my abilities for so many years.”
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Mirabelli is a devoted husband, father and son. His family remains his foundation, and his unwavering commitment to justice and community continues to define a legacy that extends far beyond the courtroom.
Catherine R. (Caifano) Locallo
President
Catherine R. (Caifano) Locallo is the current President of the Justinian Society of Lawyers. She is honored to now lead the Society that her father, Richard B. Caifano, and her father-in-law, Joseph F. Locallo Jr., have successfully led. Both men have helped shape her legal career. They also taught her the importance of a strong work ethic and community service.
Catie received a Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies from Southern Illinois University in 1999. Prior to attending law school, she worked full-time as a paralegal in Chicago. In 2004, Catie landed what would be her final job as a paralegal with Robbins Schwartz law firm. Within one year of working among the attorneys at Robbins Schwartz, Catie knew that she wanted to attend law school and continue her employment with Robbins Schwartz as an attorney representing public sector clients.
One of Catie’s mentors, Leonard F. Amari, identified a path for her to secure a coveted spot in law school by successful completion of the SCALES program. Catie worked full-time for Robbins Schwarts as a paralegal and attended law school in the evenings. She was on The John Marshall Law Review and authored the article, “When the Music Stops, Why Not Require Certain Title VII Plaintiffs to Find a Chair on Which to Rest Their Complaint?” (42 J. Marshall L. Rev. 505 (2009). She received her Juris Doctor from The John Marshall Law School in 2009, graduating with honors as Order of John Marshall.
Catie became an attorney at Robbins Schwartz in May 2009. She has devoted her career to the realms of labor and employment law, focusing on education and board governance matters. Her commitment is exemplified by her role as a counselor to employers, offering comprehensive guidance on employment law intricacies, collective bargaining, labor relations, and compliance with various acts, including the Freedom of Information Act and Open Meetings Act. Catie’s dedication to education law led her to become a partner at Robbins Schwartz in 2017.
Catie’s strengths lie in her client-focused approach, problem-solving skills, and the ability to build strong relationships. Her enjoyment stems from problem-solving and the opportunity to foster improved relations between management and labor.
Catie has been a mentor to law students over the years and has served several terms as co-chair of the Justinian Society of Lawyers Endowment Fund Scholarship Committee. In 2023, she received the Honorable Gerald L. Sbarbaro Mentoring Award from the Society.
Catie is also committed to community service. She serves as a volunteer member of the Triton College School of Business Legal Advisory Committee. She has also served on the Board of Directors for the (not-for-profit) Glenview Stars Hockey Association for many years, including her current role as President of the hockey club. She also volunteers her time on the AHAI Tier II Hockey Committee.
Catie is most proud to be the Mom of two boys, Jack (14) and Tommy (12). Both boys play travel hockey, like their Dad. Jack is also an avid golfer and novice chef. Tommy loves to fish and beat anyone in video games. Catie resides in Glenview with her husband, Joseph F. Locallo III, whom she was re-introduced to in law school and who is a partner with the Amari & Locallo law firm. Catie and Joe love to celebrate their Italian heritage by warmly opening their homes to family and friends for dinner and wine.
Catie is grateful for the opportunity to lead this distinguished Society.
Michael R. Bertucci
1st Vice President
Michael R. Bertucci is the Litigation Partner at Mike Agruss Law, where he oversees the litigation department and focuses on personal injury, wrongful death, and consumer protection cases. He previously served as a judicial law clerk to the Hon. Jesse G. Reyes of the Illinois Appellate Court and subsequently worked at a prominent personal injury and medical malpractice firm in Chicago. Michael earned his Juris Doctor in 2017 from the Chicago-Kent College of Law, where he received the CALI Excellence Award in multiple classes and served as the Chicago-Kent Justinian Society Vice President. Michael currently serves on the Scholarship Committee of the Diversity Scholarship Foundation.
Hon. Jill Cerone-Marisie
2nd Vice President
Hon. Jill Cerone-Marisie is the Presiding Judge of the Third Municipal District. She supervises 19 judges in Civil, Parentage, Traffic, Misdemeanor and Felony cases. She currently presides over Felony Mental Health and Veterans Courts. She graduated from the John Marshall Law School in 1990. Among her many accolades over the years, she’s also received the John Marshall Law School Distinguished Service Award. Judge Cerone-Marisie serves on the Illinois Supreme Court Justice and Mental Health Planning Committee. She has taught for the Administration Office of Illinois Courts’ continuing education for judges.
Michael R. Grieco
3rd Vice President
Michael R. Grieco, Founding Partner at Stinar Gould Grieco & Hensley, PLLC, is focused on the practice areas of medical malpractice, construction negligence, sexual abuse, motor vehicle collisions and wrongful death. Michael obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame in 2012, where he walked on the football team as a kicker. He went on to earn his Juris Doctor from the Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Michael is an active member of various professional organizations, including the American Association for Justice, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Chicago Bar Association and Illinois State Bar Association. In 2023, Michael was honored with the F. Scott Baldwin Award by the American Association for Justice, which is presented each year to the most outstanding young trial lawyer in the country.
Sarah M. LeRose
Treasurer
Sarah M. LeRose, attorney at Leonard J. LeRose, Jr., Ltd., concentrates her practice in probate law, focusing on contested guardianships (adult and minor), estate litigation, and administration. She represents individuals, fiduciaries, guardianship agencies and financial institutions. Sarah graduated from Saint Louis University Law School in 2014 and received her Bachelor of Arts from Southern Methodist University in 2011. Since 2019, she has been recognized as an Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Star, awarded to only 2.5% of attorneys annually. Sarah has also been recognized as an Emerging Lawyer by the Law Bulletin Media. Sarah previously served on the Board of Governors and Assembly for the Illinois State Bar Association and is an active member of the Chicago Bar Association.
Dominic C. LoVerde
Secretary
Dominic LoVerde is the founder of LoVerde Law, LLC, a personal injury firm focusing on catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. He represents clients in cases involving defective and dangerous products, construction injuries, truck crashes, medical negligence, unsafe property conditions, and complex commercial disputes. He has several record-setting verdicts and settlements, and has been recognized as a Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Lawyer; U.S. News Best Lawyers Ones to Watch; National Trial Lawyers Top 40 under 40 civil plaintiff trial lawyers; Super Lawyers Rising Star; and an Emerging Lawyer by Law Bulletin Media. In 2022, Dominic received the Distinguished Service Award from the American Association of Justice. In 2024, he was selected to join the Melvin Belli Society, an invitation-only national organization of plaintiff trial lawyers.
