In 30 seconds
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates can notarize some documents and publish lists of local lawyers, but they cannot give legal advice and do not endorse anyone. For a property purchase, an inheritance, a contract or a dispute, you choose a lawyer yourself. Ask about language, fees in writing, conflicts of interest and who will handle your file.
Americans in Italy often ask the Embassy for a lawyer’s name. The Embassy helps with a list, but the choice and the responsibility are yours. Here is what the official pages say, which office covers where you are, and how to prepare the first meeting.
What the U.S. Embassy and Consulates do
- Notarial services for documents to be used in the United States, by appointment in Rome, Florence, Naples and Milan.
- Lists of attorneys and notaries for each consular district.
- No legal advice. The consular staff state that they cannot assemble your documents or give legal advice on their use.
Official pages: notarial services and legal assistance.
Which consulate covers where you are
The Consulate General in Naples publishes a list of attorneys and notaries for its district, which covers Campania, Basilicata, Calabria, Molise, Puglia and Sicily. Its disclaimer says that the Consulate assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of the persons listed. Rome publishes its own list for its district.
- Naples consular district: list of attorneys and notaries (October 2025, PDF)
- Rome consular district: lawyers and notaries (June 2025, PDF)
A listing is not a recommendation, and not appearing on a list says nothing about a lawyer’s qualifications. Lists are updated from time to time: always check the date.
Facing a similar situation? You can send your documents to the firm for an assessment, from anywhere in the world.
Book a consultationWhen you really need a lawyer
Typical case
A problem that happens often. Typical case described in general terms: names, places and details do not refer to real people or cases.
An American retiree rents a farmhouse in Puglia with a six-page contract in Italian that he “understands roughly”. When the landlord asks him to leave early and keep the deposit, he discovers that the contract has no exit clause. A review before signing would have cost far less than the dispute.
What to ask before you hire
- Languages. Can the lawyer work in English, or with an interpreter, and send documents in English?
- Fees. An Italian lawyer must inform you in advance of how the fee is determined and, if you ask, give a written estimate.
- Conflicts of interest. Is the lawyer already working for the seller, the agent or the other heirs?
- Who handles the file. Ask for a named contact and how you will be updated.
- Registration. A lawyer must be registered with a Bar Association: you can ask for the registration details.
- Scope. Italian law only? Ask who advises on US taxes: that is for a US professional.
How this firm works with clients abroad
The firm is based in Naples and works throughout Italy; first consultations can be held remotely. The first meeting is held in Italian. We receive your documents securely online and meet in person by appointment at our offices. Nothing here is an endorsement by any embassy or consulate.
Frequently asked questions
Can the U.S. Embassy recommend a lawyer?
The Embassy publishes lists but states that it does not take responsibility for the professional ability or reputation of the lawyers listed.
Can the Embassy notarize my Italian property documents?
The notarial services are for documents to be used in the United States and do not authenticate documents for use in Italy, except marriage-related certificates.
Is a lawyer mandatory to buy a house in Italy?
Not mandatory. The notary is mandatory for the deed. A lawyer helps you before you sign.
Can I hire a lawyer without visiting Italy?
Yes, if the matter allows. Many steps can be done remotely, with a power of attorney when a signature in Italy is required.
Related guides
Questions about property or an inheritance in Italy?
Every situation must be assessed on the documents of the specific case. You can consult the firm from anywhere in the world: by video call, phone, WhatsApp or email. The first meeting is held in Italian. If you speak English, a video call on Google Meet from a computer may offer Italian–English translation as a support, without any guarantee; it does not replace an interpreter or a certified translation. Appointments in person in Naples (Piazza Giovanni Bovio 22 and Via Monte di Dio 14), Rome and Bari.
Official sources
- U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Italy: notarial services
- U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Italy: legal assistance
- U.S. Consulate General Naples: list of attorneys and notaries, Oct. 2025 (PDF)
- U.S. Embassy Rome: lawyers and notaries in the Rome consular district (PDF)
- Law 247/2012 on the legal profession (Normattiva)
- U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Italy: American Citizen Services
- U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Italy: contact
- U.S. Department of State: Italy country information
- Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: consular services and visas
Information updated on October 10, 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. The firm does not advise on United States law or taxes.
Text prepared with the help of artificial intelligence tools and reviewed under the responsibility of Avv. Renato Giuseppe Fiorentino on October 10, 2026.