Legali

Legali is an Italian term that functions primarily as the plural form of “legale,” meaning “legal” or “law professional.” In the Italian language, the word is used to refer collectively to lawyers, legal experts, or matters pertaining to the law. The term is also employed as a surname, with several notable individuals bearing the name in fields such as politics, academia, and the arts.

Etymologically, legali derives from the Latin “legālis,” which relates to “lex,” the word for law. Its modern usage in Italian mirrors the English plural “legal professionals,” and it appears in legal texts, academic publications, and media reporting on judicial affairs. In contemporary discourse, the phrase “gli legali” commonly denotes a group of attorneys or a legal team representing a client or cause.

As a family name, Legali is most frequently found in central and southern Italy, particularly in the regions of Lazio, Abruzzo, and Campania. Historical records indicate the surname emerged in the 16th century, likely originating from an ancestor’s occupation within the judicial system or from a nickname associated with legal expertise. Notable bearers include Giovanni Legali, a 19th‑century jurist who contributed to the development of civil code reforms, and Maria Legali, a contemporary art historian noted for her research on Renaissance patronage.

Beyond its linguistic and genealogical aspects, “legali” occasionally appears in the titles of Italian publications, television programs, and legal forums that address current legislation, court decisions, and public policy. The term therefore encapsulates both a grammatical function and a cultural reference to the professional sphere of law in Italy.