Meet our Leadership
PRESIDENT
MARIANA NOLI is currently serving as our President as well as the West Coast Vice President for the National Italian American Bar Association (NIABA). Actively involved in the Italian American legal community, Mariana is international intellectual property and entertainment lawyer who runs Noli IP Solutions PC, a boutique practice in North County San Diego.
VICE PRESIDENT - TREASURER
SUSAN ACQUISTA serves as our Vice President and Treasurer. In her leadership role, Susan brings a commitment to fostering professional development, community engagement, and cultural connection among Italian-American attorneys. Susan is an accomplished intellectual property attorney at DLA Piper, representing clients in California federal courts and in the Ninth Circuit.
BOARD MEMBER
JOSEPH A. SAMMARTINO is a seasoned civil litigator and Shareholder at Epsten, APC, where he serves as Co-Chair of the Litigation Department and has extensive experience in complex disputes, including real estate, contract, business, and trade secret matters in state and federal courts. Joe is recognized for his leadership and commitment to excellence in the San Diego legal community.
BOARD MEMBER
STEPHEN M. LOBBIN is a founding partner of SML Avvocati and a seasoned civil and commercial litigator with extensive experience representing clients in complex disputes, including business, real estate, employment, and debtor-creditor matters in state and federal courts. He is known for his strategic advocacy, client-focused approach, and active engagement in community initiatives.
BOARD MEMBER
EVE MAZZARELLA serves as Director of Business Development and Legal Researcher/Analyst at Duckor Metzger & Wynne, A Professional Law Corporation, where she supports the firm’s strategic growth. As our board member, Eve is dedicated to strengthening connections within the Italian American legal community and fostering opportunities for professional engagement and cultural connection.
SECRETARY
CHRISTINA LOPOPOLO is currently a Senior Litigation Secretary and Executive Assistant with Manatt, Phelps & Phillips. She has been with Manatt since January 2024, where she provides comprehensive litigation and executive‑level support. She was actively involved with Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC) and Los Angeles (CAALA). She served as Education Chair for the San Diego Legal Se
BOARD MEMBER
THOMAS GENNARO is the founder of Gennaro Law, APC, representing businesses and individuals in complex litigation and high-value transactions throughout California and Nevada. In addition to trial work, he advises founders and boards on corporate governance, deal structure and risk strategy. He serves on the Board of IALA, supporting leadership, mentorship, and professional community.
BOARD MEMBER
STEPHEN SILVEIRA is a Senior Director of Business Development at Aptus Court Reporting. He is an active member of the Italian American Lawyers Association of San Diego board, where he plays a key role in membership recruitment and strengthening community engagement within the Italian American legal community.
BOARD MEMBER
MARINA OLIVARI JURICH is a proud second-generation Italian American and longtime San Diego resident who brings more than 18 years of service at UC San Diego and extensive experience in labor advocacy to the Italian American Lawyers Association of San Diego. Marina is deeply committed to strengthening professional and cultural connections within the Italian American community.
BOARD MEMBER
LORETTA is one of our Board Member.