Firm News

Ken goes back to law school — 2016 edition

August 23, 2016 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

Ken_John-Marshall — Ken speaks to the class of 2019.

Last Friday Ken had the pleasure of leading a group of law students during orientation week at John Marshall Law School. There, members of the class of 2019 got their first taste of their legal education. Fun fact: It was a mere 27 years ago when Ken took his first class at Case Western Reserve University School of Law.

Each year the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism promotes the virtues of “integrity, civility, and professionalism” among incoming law students. The commission asks students to take an oath to uphold those standards, followed by teaching sessions with practicing attorneys that are recruited by the commission to pass along the knowledge they’ve acquired while working in the field.

After a quick introduction by John Marshall department head Clifford Scott-Rudnick, the students were taken to classrooms for breakout sessions. Ken led an open-ended discussion about legal ethics and the mandates of the American Bar Association, part of which included an analysis of three scenarios pulled from actual cases and the implications of each situation.

One of the more interesting scenarios was a situation involving a client’s Facebook account that alluded to several instances of violence and the use of a handgun. The ethical dilemma: Should the defense counsel advise their client to delete their Facebook account? Nearly everyone agreed that attorneys should advise their client to delete incriminating social media posts, so it came as a surprise when Ken explained that doing so would be unethical. Ken also pointed out that attorneys should advise clients to refrain from posting on social media when it comes to potential or pending cases, and suggested that changing their privacy settings was a good option. Deleting or destroying potential evidence, however, is problematic.

The revelation brought about a spirited conversation, which raised good points about the impact of social media in the legal profession and how attorneys need to handle it. Ken was particularly pleased to see everyone taking part in a respectful debate, “the first of many to come,” he joked.

Students at John Marshall Law School formally begin classes this week.

Associate Attorney Brett Manchel wins appellate argument

August 8, 2016 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

A few weeks ago, Levinson and Stefani associate attorney Brett Manchel argued in front of the First District Appellate Court of Illinois on behalf of one of our clients. We’re pleased to announce that Brett has won the appeal and the case is headed back to the Circuit Court for further hearings.

The Appellate Court hearing stems from a workers compensation case in which our client, a CTA employee, injured her ankle while on the job. The injury required surgery and she missed work. The workers compensation commission ruled in favor of our client, awarding her a sum that covered all medical bills, time off from work, as well as future physical therapy sessions to rehab her ankle.

On appeal, the Circuit Court judge questioned the commission’s decision and sent the case back with suggestions. The commission agreed with the judge’s findings and returned a much smaller award for our client, which prompted us to bring the case back before the Circuit Court. The judge agreed with his original ruling and the commission’s decision. We brought the case before the Appellate Court where it was fully briefed and argued.

The Appellate Court ruled that the Circuit Court’s findings needed further consideration, sending the case back to the Circuit Court to be reheard. We’re currently waiting on a date for that hearing.

Congratulations to Brett for all his work on this case and for winning the appeal.

Ken Levinson appointed State Delegate for American Association for Justice

July 6, 2016 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

Levinson and Stefani founding partner Ken Levinson has been appointed to serve as the Illinois State Delegate for the American Association for Justice (AAJ), a designation that carries Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA) Board status. Levinson’s appointment is effective immediately and runs through 2018.

“Like so many attorneys, I have benefited a great deal from ITLA, AAJ, and their missions,” said Levinson. “It’s been a tremendous and important resource for trial lawyers when it comes to protecting our injured clients. I’m grateful for this opportunity to work more intimately with AAJ and ITLA.”

State delegates work on behalf of AAJ to raise awareness among new and existing trial attorneys about the organization. To date, AAJ has earned distinction as the world’s largest trial bar and a safeguard for victims’ rights, most notably the right to trial by jury. As part of his duties, Levinson will oversee institutional relations and work with board members to strengthen the wellbeing of both associations.

Levinson is the co-author of Litigating Major Automobile Injury and Death Cases, the newest reference litigation series published by AAJ Press/Thomson Reuters. He was listed in the Illinois Super Lawyers Top 100 in 2016, his second appearance on the list.

Levinson is the founding partner of Levinson and Stefani, a Chicago-based law firm offering client-first legal representation. The firm focuses on truck, auto and bus-related accidents, as well as child injury cases.

Download a PDF version of the release by clicking here

Keeping potential cases away by helping new drivers be safe

June 6, 2016 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

Jay spent time over the past two weeks away from the office trying lower the number of potential car crash cases we handle. And this was a good thing.

End Distracted Driving is an organization started by Joel Feldman and Dianne Anderson after their daughter, Casey Feldman, was tragically killed in a crosswalk by a distracted driver in 2009. Their mission is to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving while generating action to prevent it. Jay took part it in EndDD’s nationwide program by reaching out in his community and speaking to drivers education classes at Crystal Lake South High School and Cary-Grove High School.

“I’ve spoken to other lawyers, college students, and law students, but this was a bit different,” Jay said. “Trying to catch and maintain the attention of a group of high school students on the cusp of summer vacation was a bit more challenging. Still, I was impressed by how attentive and responsive they were.”

Students readily agreed with the common (mis)perception that teens are “the worst” when it comes to texting and driving. However, research indicates otherwise:

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

“They were a bit surprised when I showed them the actual numbers,” Jay said. “However, there were a lot of hands in the air when I asked if any of them had been in the car while a parent was texting while driving.”

And that seems to be a big hurdle. If we are going to demand safe driving from our children, it’s time we start showing them what it looks like—every time we’re in the car.

We take our jobs seriously, representing victims of car crashes every day. But we also take seriously our responsibility to increase driver safety and awareness.

Ken to give presentation at Catastrophic Care Society Symposium on May 16

April 19, 2016 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

Levinson and Stefani Founding Partner Ken Levinson has been invited to speak as a guest faculty member at the Catastrophic Care Society Traumatic Brain Injury Medical/Legal Symposium, taking place May 15-17 at the Hilton Chicago. The three-day symposium welcomes the nation’s leading trial lawyers, medical experts and healthcare providers to share information regarding traumatic brain and spinal injuries, giving participating attorneys a comprehensive picture of ways to represent clients who have suffered similar injuries.

On Monday, May 16, Levinson will share his experience related to opening summations during trial. Levinson will discuss how to effectively craft a road map to influence the decision-making process of jury members. Levinson has successfully handled many cases related to brain and spinal injuries, specifically having to do with situations involving commercial vehicle and auto crashes.

Levinson has been an invited faculty member at dozens of trial lawyer associations around the country. He is a graduate of the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College and the author of Litigating Major Automobile Injury and Death Cases, the newest volume of the reference litigation series published by AAJ Press/Thomson Reuters. He was recently listed in the Illinois Super Lawyers Top 100 in 2016, his second appearance on the list. He is the founding partner of Levinson and Stefani, a Chicago-based law firm offering client-first legal representation. The firm focuses on truck, auto and bus-related accidents, as well as child injury cases.

The Catastrophic Care Society is committed to bringing plaintiff trial lawyers and medical personnel and providers the most up-to-date information on traumatic brain and spinal injury diagnosis, treatment, and litigation know-how. Programs include the country’s top litigators and experts in psychology, neurology, neuropsychology, radiology, neurosurgery, psychiatry and physical chemistry, all coming together to offer the most progressive information in their respective fields.

We’re getting ready for RIC’s ‘Art In Motion’ gala

April 13, 2016 by Levinson and Stefani Leave a Comment

The Rehab Institute of Chicago continues to shape lives through the power of art

This spring, the Rehab Institute of Chicago hosts its annual Art In Motion gala on Thursday, May 5 at the Ryan Family Atrium at Northwestern University’s Lurie Center. Our firm is once again pleased to contribute as an Art Devotee for RIC’s big event. Last year, Ken and Jay had the pleasure of touring RIC’s updated rehab wing and meeting with several patients who have benefited from the tremendous resources that RIC continues to provide year in and year out.

The Art In Motion gala, now in its 14^th year, is a wonderful opportunity to meet RIC staff members and celebrate all the great things RIC has accomplished. The gala also serves as a chance to ensure the financial wellbeing of the institute by raising money for the Art Therapy and Therapeutic Recreation programs, part of a long-standing plan that encourages patients to create art as a means to overcome traumatic, even terminal injuries.

Sponsorship of Art In Motion allows for a Resident Art Therapist on site 24 hours-a-week to initiate and lead programs; over 700 hours of art therapy services for individuals and groups of patients; one year of twice-weekly movement therapy classes at RIC’s Health and Fitness Center.

RIC’s Art Therapy Program is funded solely through philanthropic support. The unique aspect of the program makes RIC one of the highest ranked rehabilitation institutes in the world. By providing artistic workshops, RIC gives its patients a chance to re-learn vital aspects of motor skills and coordination, while also allowing them to express their emotions as they adapt to a new way of living.

In keeping with its goals of engaging patients through the power of art, RIC curates a selection of work from participants of the Art Therapy program and artists from around the country. They invite artists to display their pieces in a pseudo-gallery in the Ryan Family Atrium, where the art is put up for sale. The juried exhibition features a range of styles—from impressionist to sculpture to oil and canvas. James Rondeau of the Art Institute of Chicago makes a special appearance as juror, awarding the top three pieces featured in the gallery.

Last year, our firm met several of the featured artists. We ended up leaving with three original paintings that now hang on the walls of our office.

We encourage all of you to look into the recreation programs developed by RIC. Many rehab patients have suffered unspeakable tragedy at the hands of negligence, including accident victims who have come through the institute as a result of drunk driving, distracted driving and any number of illegal activities. Thanks to RIC, many of them go on to lead fulfilling lives despite long odds. We’re looking forward to honoring them and celebrating another year of success for RIC.