About Cristina

Cristina was raised in Philadelphia with deep-rooted Italian heritage which shaped her personal and professional journey. Her frequent travels to Italy laid the foundation early on for a bicultural identity that would define her academic path and career.

Cristina earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the prestigious Bryn Mawr College, one of the “Seven Sisters” universities in the US, then pursued graduate studies in Italy, earning a Master of Laws (LL.M.) with a specialization in International Law from the Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata.

Ex US Ambassador Thomas Foglietta with Lawyer Cristina Maria Mattei (Photo by Rino Barillari)

From 2002 to 2004, Cristina served as legal collaborator to the late Ambassador Thomas Foglietta, Esq., former U.S. Ambassador to Italy, strengthening her reputation as a skilled legal strategist in transnational matters.

For over 25 years, Cristina has been a respected member of the Bar Association of the Province of Pescara (Abruzzo) and has maintained an independent legal practice with a strong focus on cross-border legal matters, catering to clients not only throughout Italy but across the globe.

She collaborates with prominent law firms in Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York, Boston, Washington D.C., Miami, and Arizona, among others, and acts as legal advisor to various Italian-American organizations in Pennsylvania, including Italica Arts and Education, Inc. and the Tolentine Community Center and Development Corporation, Inc.

As an English speaking lawyer in Italy specialized in international law, her practice spans continents, with clients from all over the world to whom she provides personalized legal counsel through a multidisciplinary approach, ensuring they receive comprehensive, strategic and culturally attuned solutions tailored to their specific needs.