Philadelphia, PA – October 26, 2005 – LAWFUEL – The Law News Network – Joseph V. Del Raso, a partner with Pepper Hamilton LLP, received the prestigious Italian honor of “Cavaliere” – an honorary knighthood from the Republic of Italy. His Excellency Sergio Vento, Ambassador of the Republic of Italy to the United States, presented the award during a dinner at Philadelphia’s Le Bec Fin in September.
The honor was bestowed by the President of the Italian Republic, Carlo-Azeglio Chiampi and confirmed by the Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi. The award recognizes Mr. Del Raso’s legal career and his work to further develop Italian-American business relationships.
The origins of Cavaliere date back to the Roman Empire, which awarded the honor to civilians for outstanding military or civil service. The title is now a civic recognition. Candidates are selected based on their integrity and accomplishments, as well as their dedication to strengthening ties between Italy and America.
Mr. Del Raso, a member of Pepper’s Financial Services Practice Group, is the head of the firm’s investment management practice and a member of the firm’s executive committee. He has testified before Congress about financial services legislation and concentrates his practice in securities.
Mr. Del Raso is a member of the Board of Directors, World Affairs Council of Philadelphia (Philadelphia, PA); chairman of the Board of Trustees, American University of Rome (Rome, Italy); vice chair, Board of Consultors, Villanova University School of Law; and executive vice president of the Board of Directors, National Italian American Foundation (Washington, D.C.), which he has also served as general counsel.
Mr. Del Raso is a 1974 graduate of the Villanova University School of Commerce and Finance and a 1983 graduate of the Villanova University School of Law.
Pepper Hamilton LLP (www.pepperlaw.com) is a multi-practice law firm with 400 lawyers in six states and the District of Columbia. The firm provides corporate, litigation and regulatory legal services to leading businesses, governmental entities, nonprofit organizations and individuals throughout the nation and the world. The firm was founded in 1890.
