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Paola SeverinoItalian lawyer, Minister of Justice
Date of Birth: 22.10.1948
Country:  Italy |
Content:
- Education and Legal Career
- Notable Cases and Advocacy
- Ministerial Role
- Political Aspirations
- Academic Leadership
- Personal Life
Education and Legal Career
Paola Severino earned her law degree from the University of Rome La Sapienza, where she also attended the Specialization School in Criminal Law and Criminology. After graduating in 1971, she worked at her alma mater's Department of Criminal Law from 1975 to 1987.
In 1987, Severino became a professor at the Department of Criminal Corporate Law at the University of Perugia. In 1995, she was promoted to full professor in the Department of Criminal Law. She moved to the Guido Carli Free International University of Social Studies (LUISS) in Rome in 1998 as a professor of criminal law.
Notable Cases and Advocacy
As one of Italy's most renowned criminal lawyers, Severino collaborated with Giovanni Flick. She represented Romano Prodi and entrepreneur Cesare Geronzi in the Cirio bankruptcy case. Other notable clients included Fininvest lawyer Giovanni Acampora, the energy corporation Eni, and the business tycoon Francesco Gaetano Caltagirone.
Severino defended the Jewish community in the Nazi war criminal Erich Priebke trial. She also represented former Secretary-General of the Italian Presidency Gaetano Gifuni in an investigation of alleged abuse of power at the presidential estate of Castelporziano.
Ministerial Role
From November 16, 2011 to April 28, 2013, Severino served as Minister of Justice in the non-partisan Monti government. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in passing the anti-corruption law known as the "Severino Law" in 2012.
Political Aspirations
On April 18, 2013, Severino received five votes in the second round of the Italian presidential election. She received five out of 954 votes again in the second round of a subsequent presidential election on January 30, 2015.
Academic Leadership
On October 3, 2016, Severino became the rector of LUISS in Rome. However, on June 18, 2018, she stepped down and was appointed Vice President of the university.
Personal Life
Paola Severino is married to Paolo Di Benedetto, a former member of the National Commission for Companies and the Stock Exchange. They have one daughter, Eleonora, who is also a lawyer. Severino has lost her right arm as a result of illness.
