Giulia Raona (Italy)

29 Jan 2026 | Interviews

Get to know our Network

What makes this network special is not only the outstanding legal minds from across Europe, but the way they work together: collegially, openly, and united by a shared commitment to the rule of law. In this interview series, we take a closer look at the people behind this network.

  1. Our network often operates in real time: a question is raised, and shortly afterwards the right person steps forward. If you were that person: who are you, which country are you based in, in which area of criminal law do you specialise and what are you particularly passionate about in your professional work?

I am a criminal lawyer based in Milan, working across Italy, with a focus on economic criminal law. My practice primarily covers corporate, financial, and tax-related offences, assisting individuals as well as domestic and international companies. I regularly work on matters with a cross-border and European dimension, involving the coordination of different legal systems, cooperation with foreign counsel and the management of proceedings with international implications.

What motivates me most in my work is the opportunity to combine technical rigor with human sensitivity. I particularly value the responsibility that comes with being truly useful to an individual or a company at critical moments, where legal issues intersect with personal, economic and reputational concerns. Each case allows me not only to address a specific legal challenge, but also to operate with an awareness of the broader European and international context in which it arises.

  1. Many experience this network not only as highly professional, but also as remarkably human, shaped by trust, friendship and a shared commitment to the rule of law in Europe. If we take a step beyond your professional role, what should we know about you as a person to understand why you are so keen to be part of this network?

I strongly believe in the human dimension of the legal profession. Every engagement calls for careful listening, a strong sense of responsibility and an awareness of the wider impact our work may have beyond the immediate client, including the economic and social context in which decisions are made.

This mindset, combined with the relational nature of the profession and the value I place on exchanging perspectives across jurisdictions and cultures, is what drives my commitment to the ECBA network. Being part of a community where expertise, trust and dialogue go hand in hand is an essential element of how I approach my professional work.

  1. If a colleague were to ask you whether this network is truly worth joining, what would you say from your own experience? What makes it so special for you?

I would recommend the ECBA without hesitation. One of its greatest strengths is the genuine professional support that exists among its members. The network fosters a culture of openness and mutual assistance, where expertise is shared naturally and colleagues are readily available to support one another across jurisdictions.
This collaborative approach has a direct impact on the quality and efficiency of our work. Being able to rely on trusted professionals in different European jurisdictions allows matters to be handled more effectively, with greater clarity and speed, ultimately to the benefit of the client. It is this combination of cooperation, competence and practical focus that makes the ECBA a truly valuable network.

  1. Finally, looking ahead: what do you hope for the future of the ECBA, and what contribution would you personally like to make?

Looking ahead, I hope the ECBA will continue to strengthen its role as a truly European community of criminal defence lawyers: a place where different specializations come together, and where members can rely on the network to connect with colleagues whose expertise is best suited to a particular issue, jurisdiction or area of practice. In a field as complex and fast-evolving as criminal law, this exchange of knowledge is a key factor in enhancing the quality, depth and efficiency of work, ultimately benefiting those we advise and assist.

As my professional experience grows, I increasingly feel the importance of giving back to the network. I would like to contribute by sharing my own insights and practical experience, while also supporting a common project built on cooperation and meaningful professional exchange, so that individual expertise can continue to strengthen the collective value of the ECBA.