On October 24, 2019, the National Italian American Bar Association joined the Justinian Society of Chicago in celebrating the new offices of Holland & Knight at 150 North Riverside Plaza in Chicago. Among those attending were NIABA director and Regional Vice-President,   Holland & Knight partner Kenneth Jenero;  Natalie Petric , current President of the Justinian Society,  NIABA director and national secretary, Frank Sommario, Tony Romanucci , a past President of the Justinian Society,  and, a number  of judges, including Illinois Appellate Judge Jesse Reyes.

The meeting featured a  guest speaker,  law professor John Bessler of Georgetown Law and University of Baltimore Law Schools.   He addressed the influence of  Italian philosopher and economist Cesare Beccaria (1738-1794) during the revolutionary era upon the United States Constitution and early American laws.   His book upon the subject reveals the often unrecognized influence of Italian thinkers upon the values enshrined in our earliest founding documents.

The event was a combined effort of NIABA and the Justinian Society to promote the influences and opportunities which each organization provides to its members.  Holland and Knight was a kind partner in sharing its wonderful new space.   The firm was a generous host to a great evening for the many who attended.