Steven A. Levy

Overview

Steve Levy is a Principal in the firm's Litigation Group. He has tried cases in courts throughout the country involving commercial lease disputes, insurance broker malpractice claims, insurance coverage disputes, employment and restrictive covenant disputes, replevin issues, commercial breach of contract cases, and cases arising out of commercial bankruptcies. He has handled trials on behalf of Goldberg Kohn's lender clients, including those in which the lender objected to the proposed use of the lender's cash collateral or sought the appointment of a receiver, and in trials to determine whether an involuntary bankruptcy case was properly commenced by a lender.

In 2014, Steve was named a Fellow of the prestigious Litigation Counsel of America, a trial lawyer honorary society composed of less than one-half of one percent of American lawyers. Fellows are selected based upon excellence and accomplishments in litigation, both at the trial and appellate levels, and superior ethical reputation. He holds the AV Preeminent® peer review rating from Martindale-Hubbell, its highest rating for ethics and legal ability, and has been individually ranked in Chambers USA for his Litigation skills.

In May 2023, Steve received the Excellence in Pro Bono and Public Interest Service Award from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and the Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association for his part in winning a case of national significance that went to the U.S. Supreme three times.

Experience

Successfully represented a bank at trial in proving that an involuntary bankruptcy case was properly commenced.
Representing financial institutions in all manner of litigation, including high profile cases in which the banks were alleged to be responsible for fraudulent schemes engaged in by their customers.
Successfully prosecuted dozens of complex commercial foreclosure actions, including foreclosures of commercial properties ranging from office buildings, condominium buildings, apartment buildings, hotels, student housing, residential developments, golf courses and other recreational properties, industrial and manufacturing facilities, cold storage facilities, shopping centers and other retail properties. These cases often prompt lender liability counterclaims that are defended in the course of the foreclosure.
Defending a finance company alleged to have controlled or aided and abetted its borrower in selling in excess of $100 million of subordinated notes in violation of the securities laws.

Credentials

Education

University of Illinois College of Law, J.D., 1988
– magna cum laude
Miami University, B.S., 1985
– Finance, cum laude

Admissions

Illinois

United States Supreme Court
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, including the Trial Bar
U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois

Professional Activities

Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America