Emanuela Spinelli is senior counsel in our corporate criminal law practice

How did your career in BonelliErede begin?

I’d been working at a law firm specialised in criminal and procedural law for a few years when, in 2014, BonelliErede’s corporate criminal law practice was set up. I’d already had the opportunity to work with the practice manager, Francesco Sbisà, and so when he reached out to me because he was looking for someone well-versed in the ins-and-outs of procedural law to join the Rome office, I jumped at the chance to take on a new challenge and growth opportunities at BonelliErede.

What are the main areas of work for a criminal law lawyer in a multipractice firm like BonelliErede?

BonelliErede was one of the first to establish a criminal law practice: The firm understood that developing synergies between the specialist skills that boutique firms boast and other practice areas was essential to be able to provide clients assistance across the board.

Our team provides individuals and companies preventive advice on all criminal law risks associated with all areas of business and provides in- and out-of-court assistance with all matters that fall under the fast-growing field of economic criminal law. As one can imagine, we spend a large part of our time working side-by-side companies to remove, or at least reduce, the risk of the commission of crimes that would give rise to corporate administrative liability.

Tell us about aspects of your life inside and outside BonelliErede that give you great pleasure!

One of the highlights of my job is that I get to work with younger generations, particularly those at the start of their careers, and help them grow professionally. For many years now, I’ve been the firm’s representative at job fairs organised by the best Italian and international universities, which I thoroughly enjoy.

Having the opportunity to talk with students and graduates brings us closer to them and allows us to better understand their needs and expectations. It also gives me an opportunity to quell their thirst to know what it really means to be a lawyer!

It’s not a one-way street but a real exchange. We welcome their suggestions and ideas and are always keen to hear their perspectives, because we know we need to look to the future through their eyes!

As to life outside of work, besides dedicating time to my family, my main hobbies are sailing and art. I love sailing at sunset and visiting art exhibitions, especially of contemporary art. When travelling, I always like to search out hidden places where I can discover new murals that tell the stories of the creative street artists of the places I visit, and sometimes those streets turn into real open-air exhibitions!