Josephine Belli, partner in the firm’s New York, New York office, has enjoyed a diverse legal career practicing as a law clerk to a Supreme Court judge, an associate in a law firm specializing in international business, and as in-house counsel at a global manufacturer and marketer of drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, and personal care products.

Her education (both in the United States and abroad), foreign language skills in Italian, French, Spanish, and Greek, and varied experience addressing the corporate, transactional, regulatory, and business development needs of domestic and international entities gives Jo a global perspective that enhances her service to clients. Jo has represented global companies in a variety of industries, and has significant experience working with clients in regulated industries including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cosmetics, supplements, food, wine, and spirits. 

Jo’s regulatory experience includes addressing Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and European Community regulations involving the launch and marketing of regulated products, including testing, packaging, labeling, claim substantiation, regulatory compliance, promotions, advertising, and safety.

Jo also works with entertainment industry clients on rights clearances, celebrity endorsements, production deals, talent contract negotiations, content licensing, intellectual property protection, and compliance with privacy laws.

Honors

• Consul General of Italy Award for Outstanding Service to the Italian-American Community
• Brooklyn Committee of Italian Culture Month Award for Service to the Italian-American Community
• Queens Committee of Italian Culture Month Award for Service to the Italian-American Community
• Professional Affiliations
• American Bar Association: International Law Section
• New York State Bar Association: Food, Drug and Cosmetic Law and Corporate Counsel
• Columbian Lawyers Association
• Association of Corporate Counsel: Board of Directors; former member of the editorial board: ACC Docket; Advertising; Labor and Employment Committees
• Association of National Advertisers (ANA)
• Admitted to Practice
• New York State
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Southern Districts of New York
• Court of International Trade
• Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
• Civic Activities
• Legal Counsel: Italian Heritage and Culture Committee of NY, Inc.
• Italian American Committee on Education
• St. John's University Alumni Association-Manhattan Chapter

Languages

Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Greek

Education

St John's University School of Law and Institute of Comparative Law

University of Rome, JD, 1986 (Dean's List)

New York University, Doctoral Studies in Italian Literature

Queens College, University of Bologna, Italy and University of Madrid, Spain, B.A./M.A