BARBARA A. CAPOZZI, ESQUIRE
June 2021 Justinian Member of the Month

Unrivaled authority on the South Philadelphia, Southwest and Center City housing markets with more than 30 years of experience.

Civic leader who is highly invested in the neighborhoods in which she works.

Successful business owner who has thrived even in challenging economic times.

Straight shooter whose direct, knowledgeable approach benefits clients and multiple community causes. Attorney whose backgrounds aids in negotiations and defuses potential conflicts.

Passionate advocate who builds strong coalitions to fight for civic and business interests.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2019 - Present
Sold management and insurance business in order to concentrate on development of 14 custom townhomes in South Philadelphia- Renaissance Estates Capozzi Real Estate/ Insurance Ltd.

1992 - 2019
The firm, built to accommodate the diverse needs of property buyers and sellers, continues to grow along with the neighborhoods it serves. Capozzi Real Estate was at the forefront of the expanding South Philadelphia housing made over the past two decades.
The agency, which specializes rental in sales, property management and also serves Center City and Southwest Philadelphia.
Clients receive the benefit of expertise; Barbara Capozzi and her team have a keen understanding of the local market, including city and neighborhood property regulations.
The agency's impressive track record includes the sale of three marquee developments: Reserve at Packer Park, Villas at Packer Park and Regen cy at Packer Park. The developments sold out in record time – 330 homes.

COMMUNITY/CIVIC ASSOCIATIONS

A commitment to the community that transcends the real-estate business:
- Packer Park Civic Association: President, 1994-present (elections every two years)
- Sports Complex Special Services District, District Two: community director,
- 2001- present; Treasurer, 2011 present (elections every four years)
- Friends of FDR Park:2006-present. Co-President, 2019 - present
- Citizens Crime Commission: board of directors, 2001 - present
- National Italian American Political Action Committee, Board of Directors, 2004-present

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Taking a leadership role to help shape the regional real-estate and legal sectors:
- Greater Philadelphia Association of Realtors: President, 2012 - currently on RPAC & Government Affairs Committees
- Builders Association of Philadelphia: board of directors, 2008 - present
- South Philadelphia Board of Realtors: vice president and board member, 2005 - present
- The Justinian Society of Philadelphia: Past Chancellor, Past Vice Chancellor, Past Secretary and Past Treasurer, 1979 – present
- The Justinian Scholarship Foundation: President, 1994 - present
- Lawyers' Club of Philadelphia: President - 1984

HONORS

- Lifetime Achievement Award in Business Services, National Italian American Political Action Committee, 2007
- Person of the Year, Filitalia, 2006
- Person of the Year (Purple Aster Award), Order Sons of Italy in America, 2001

EDUCATION

- Temple University School of Law: Juris doctor with honors, 1979
- Villanova University: Bachelor's degree with honors, political science, 1975
- Philadelphia High School for Girls, Class of 1971
- Continuing education: classes in law, real estate and insurance that fulfill and exceed annual mandatory requirements for real-estate broker, insurance broker and attorney licenses.

Una Piccola Conversazione

1. How long have you been a member of the Justinian Society?

I have enjoyed my association with the Justinian Society since 1979, when 1 passed the Bar. Judge Bonavitacola and Jules Fiorvanti recruited me under the guise of 'new blood'.

2. Why did you join the Justinian Society, and what do you hope to gain from membership?

The Society was always an excellent way to meet colleagues and Judges, hear the latest news and trends, the latest gossip and job opportunities. The Society has always been well-respected and on the forefront of action on legal issues of the day. I am very proud to be a member and the first female Chancellor. I am also honored to be the President of the Justinian Foundation, which we started the year Jules Fioravanti died in his memory. The Foundation has gifted hundreds of thousands of dollars of scholarships to rising 3rd year law students to help pay a portion of their last year's tuition.

3. What do you love or enjoy most about your job?

My 'paying' job is real estate development now, and it is thrilling to bring a high-quality fabulous plan to life. From paper to bricks and mortar is a long process, a labor of love, but during a pandemic is the worst imaginable time to build, and which Phila. bureaucracy makes unnecessarily painful. We survived and now have 14 gorgeous custom homes - Renaissance Estates (PackerParkNewHomes.com). Meshing happy buyers with a superior home in the City's safest, greenest community is a JOY!

My real 'job' is my civic work, which I enjoy the most Someone has to do it, and for 30+ years in my community it has been me. There is no end to the bad things that the City and other greedy people will try to dump on a good neighborhood, and if we do not push back hard, Packer Park would never survive and thrive.

4. How would you define success?

Balance. Work and play, pleasure and pain, wins and losses.

5. Who or what inspires you?

Sadly, the world lacks inspiring leaders right now. I am inspired by working moms, hardworking dads, and those who get up every day and keep fighting in order to preserve their little piece of the world.

6. If you could choose anyone in history as a mentor, who would you choose and why?

My Dad - he worked so hard, always had innovative ideas, was way ahead of his time, was always kind and generous to everyone, and LOVED his work. If you 'love it' - it is not 'work'. Judge Bonavitacola who was a world-class mentor. Smart, practical, wise, compassionate, relentless... ... Now, I mentor young ones wherever and whenever I can if they will listen.

7. Name one valuable lesson you’ve learned in your life and that you would advise other members to follow?

Trust your intuition - follow your gut - don't be afraid to go against the tide - speak up -be yourself - be authentic life is too short to waste with people or on people who are not authentic friends.

8. What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?

It is not exactly ‘fun’ but most people don't know I am legally blind. It amazes me that people would rather think 1 am a ‘snob’, ‘stuck up', I 'never say hello’ (but they see me and THEY don’t say hello), etc. No, I just don’t know you are there. Fortunately, like a cat, my other senses work well, so I cross streets by sound (electric cars are murder), and when I trip, stumble, I always land on my feet, it is very strange to behold. The other fun fact is though I have a tough exterior, I am painfully compassionate, as is my husband.

I do sense the slightest human suffering in others and it is painful most times, I try to help as much as I can.

9. What’s the last book you read?

I am Re - listening (I highly recommend Audible.com) to Ayn Rand - Atlas Shrugged - 80 years old but it could have been written today - Self - responsibility / the value of capitalism and self - determination I the evil of socialism

10. What’s your favorite thing about Philadelphia, i.e., sports team, restaurant, museum, history, music etc.?

Philadelphia should be a wonderland, a Disney World of top-notch services, beauty, entertainment. I love the diversity, the variety, the neighborhoods, I adore the Parks, especially my beloved luscious FDR Park (Come on down for the magical outdoor Flower Show - June 5 to 13th).

Philadelphia succeeds in spite of itself, unbearable tax structure, lack of leadership on all levels, ineffective and inefficient city services and yet there is no place else I would rather live........ well, Longport is a close second.