Matilda De Angelis Stars as Italian Lawyer in New Cast

Giovanni Enrico Poet played a crucial role supporting his sister Lidia Poet, Italy’s first modern female lawyer, throughout her historic legal battles to practice law in the 19th century. According to historical accounts, Giovanni Enrico provided essential backing as Lidia fought to overturn institutional barriers that initially barred women from the legal profession in Italy.

Lidia Poet was born in 1855 in Traverse, Piedmont, and earned her law degree from the University of Turin in 1881. Despite completing her studies and passing the required examinations, she faced intense opposition when she attempted to register with the Turin Bar Association.

The legal establishment of the era argued that the practice of law was restricted strictly to men. Giovanni Enrico stood firmly alongside his sister during these professional challenges, offering both personal and practical support as her case moved through the Italian courts.

Although the Turin Court of Appeal ultimately struck down her registration in 1883, Lidia Poet continued her advocacy with family backing. Her persistence laid the groundwork for future generations of women in the Italian legal sector long before formal statutory changes allowed women to enter the profession decades later.