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We are proud to announce that Ken Levinson was recently recognized by the American Association for Justice (“AAJ”) for his contributions helping fellow trial lawyers. Ken is a long standing board member and holds multiple other positions within the AAJ.
We are excited to congratulate our Managing Partner, Jay Stefani, on receiving the American Association of Justice’s Certificate of Recognition for 2022. The certificate is awarded annually in recognition of service to AAJ. Of the roughly 20,000 AAJ members, only 46 were bestowed Certificates of Recognition this year.
“It was certainly a surprise and honor, and I am very grateful. It’s rewarding when an organization that has provided me with so much acknowledges my efforts to give back,” Jay said.
As someone who is active in AAJ leadership and regularly speaks at seminars and conventions, Jay looks forward to continuing to align himself with the organization’s three foundational pillars: community, advocacy, and education.
“It especially means a lot knowing Ken received the same award last year — I’m in excellent company!”
On October 10, 2022, Ken moderated the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association’s (“ITLA”) Update & Review Seminar. In addition to acting as Moderator, Ken was one of two Planning Chairs for the event. From 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the Update & Review Seminar saw numerous Chicago trial attorneys speak on developments across a wide range of litigation topics.
At this year’s annual AAJ convention in Seattle, Washington, Ken Levinson prepared to transition from Chair-Elect to Chair of the Trucking Litigation Group.
Ken worked with the Trucking Litigation Group for over a decade, and has described being elected as Chair as one of the greatest honors of his career.
In appreciation of his service as Chair-Elect, Ken was presented with an award (an elegant glass truck to be specific).
“I am honored and surprised to receive this award; it is a true labor of love working with this group and our member lawyers. We are happy that we can do our part and make our roads safer for everyone.”
As Chair, Ken intends on implementing innovative teaching programs such as the “Trucking College,” as well as prioritizing his mission to give any lawyer who handles trucking cases, especially those with diverse backgrounds, the opportunity to participate in this group.
This award represents a dedication and commitment to being a volunteer in the Trucking Litigation Group in order to better serve lawyers who litigate truck crash cases.
By sharing resources, sole practitioners and small firms alike can use this group to match the vast assets that the largest companies in the world have at their disposal.
Levinson and Stefani is thrilled to recap last month’s American Association for Justice (AAJ) Annual Convention in Seattle, where both Ken Levinson and Jay Stefani gave presentations.
Jay guided fellow trial lawyers through office employment contracts during the AAJ Sole Practitioner & Small Firm Section’s CLE program. As the section’s Chair this past year, Jay provided guidance to trial attorneys across the country on topics concerning law firm management.
“I had a great time this past year working with our section. We started a monthly Book Club Webinar and put together an outstanding seminar at our convention. This next year, as Immediate Past Chair, I get all the fun of staying involved with a little less of the ‘hard work.’”
Ken’s presentations touched on focus groups and their value across multiple areas of litigation. He spoke at the Melvin M. Belli Society, as well as multiple other meetings and seminars throughout the week. Notably, Ken was elected Chair of the Trucking Litigation Group, an honor which he was humbled to receive.
“Taking over as Chair of the Trucking Litigation Group is one of the greatest honors of my career. To finally be elected after over a decade of working with this group is both deeply meaningful and fulfilling.”
As Chair, Ken has two main goals: the first is to provide the best educational and continued learning opportunities for trial lawyers through innovative programs such as the “Trucking College.” The second is to make sure any lawyer who handles trucking cases, regardless of background, has the opportunity to participate in this group.
Jay shares a similar passion in providing support for fellow lawyers.
“I’m always grateful for the opportunity to share my experience – successes and shortcomings – with other lawyers who manage their own firms. Each firm is a small business, so we have a lot of the same issues – but sharing our solutions is what lets us focus on helping clients.”
Ken and Jay have regularly attended AAJ’s Annual and Winter Conventions throughout their time at the firm. Both partners are active members of AAJ and have held numerous leadership roles within the organization. AAJ is the largest association of trial lawyers in the nation, and stand on the pillars of community, advocacy, and education.
Jay will be discussing “The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right,” by Atul Gawande during the American Association for Justice (“AAJ”) Sole Practitioner & Small Firm Section “Book Club” webinar. He will touch on multiple subtopics including:
The webinar will be held on May 11, 2022, and will begin at 12:00pm (CST). Attendance is free for AAJ members, but advance registration is required.
Jay is the current Chair of AAJ’s Sole Practitioner and Small Firm Section, which focuses on supporting trial attorneys across the country who manage their own law practices. Jay frequently speaks on topics concerning law firm management and technology.