S. Mario Lorello

Mario Lorello received his B.A. from George Mason University, majoring in Government/International Politics and Communications.  He then received his juris doctorate law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law.

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Upon admission to the Virginia State Bar, Mr. Lorello served as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable F.G. Rockwell, III., of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit in Chesterfield, VA.  Following his work with his judge, Mr. Lorello served as Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney in the city of Virginia Beach.  There, he gained vast trial experience, specializing in prosecuting serious, complex criminal charges such as murder, sexual assaults, and crimes of violence.  He notably prosecuted the high-profile first degree murder case of Commonwealth v. Joseph Merlino, a man who murdered his girlfriend using cyanide poison and devised encoded messages to cover his tracks. After serving as a prosecutor for over a decade, he joined Zoby & Broccoletti.

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Mr. Lorello is licensed to practice in both state and federal courts, and is a member of the Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Portsmouth Bar Associations, as well as the Virginia State Bar. Mr. Lorello has taught courses on criminal law throughout Virginia and nationwide, primarily focusing on constitutional issues, navigating pre-trial motions to suppress, and the handling and introduction of forensic, digital, and technological evidence. He has particular expertise in the field of historical cell tower site analysis, and the forensic extractions of cell phones and other devices. In 2022, the Governor of Virginia appointed Mr. Lorello to serve on the Indigent Defense Commission as a commissioner. 

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Mr. Lorello’s passion for criminal law and being in a courtroom has served him his entire career. His in-depth knowledge about the nuances and intricacies of the law and the Constitution allows him to be a zealous advocate for his clients’ rights. Through meticulous care combined with the wealth of experience and confidence he gained as a former prosecutor, he is able to assess all facets of the government’s case—both weak and strong—in order to accurately advise his clients on the best course of action. His courtroom tactics vary in approach from aggressive and strong willed to reserved and methodical, depending on his clients’ best needs.  Mr. Lorello takes great pride in incorporating technology and digital presentations in his courtroom approach in order to present strong, resonating arguments to judges and juries.

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Throughout it all, Mr. Lorello believes in taking the time to explain every step and detail of the court process to his clients, recognizing that a good lawyer must also be a confident guide to their clients as they navigate an often unfamiliar system. His detailed and thorough explanations the judicial process are confident, clear, and tailored to ensure each client knows in advance what happens next. ​​​​​​​