I am currently a Circuit Court Judges in Illinois presiding over civil trials. I have been asked by an attorney, Ken Levine, to write a reference letter on his behalf for admission pro hac vice in other jurisdictions.
In April of this year, I presided over a complex, at time emotionally difficult medical malpractice case in which Mr. Levine was lead trial counsel for the plaintiff. Not unexpectedly, numerous issues arose throughout the trial requiring rulings from the Court. Mr. Levin argued hard for his client, yet never once sacrificed professionalism in advocating his client's position and in accepting adverse rulings from the court.
Mr. Levin is an accomplished courtroom litigator. More importantly to this Judge, he displays the highest level of professionalism in his demeanor in the courtroom to the Judge, adverse witnesses and opposing counsel. Based on my experience with Mr. Levine, I have no reservations whatsoever recommending Mr. Levine for admission pro hac vice.
I believe that the best lawyers "make" the best judges. In saying this I am not describing the process of lawyers leaving the practice to serve on the bench. Instead, I am suggesting when the most talented lawyers execute a case, the challenges presented serve as a catalyst that compels judges to perform at the highest standards of intellect and justice.
Kenneth M. Levine is one of the best trial lawyers to have appeared before me. I had the fortunate experience of becoming a better judge while presiding over a medical malpractice case prosecuted by Mr. Levine. He is a complete lawyer, from his thorough, scholarly pre-trial presentation and trial skills to his riveting oratory before the jury. He is the consummate advocate and gentleman.
I am hereby recommending that you grant Mr. Levine's pro hoc vice application, as I have all of the confidence that he will execute his duties in an appropriate and respectful matter. Maybe, once again, another judge will feel that the experience has made him/her better.
In June 2015, I had the privilege of presiding over a medical malpractice trial in the Circuit Court of Williamson County, Tennessee. The plaintiff was represented by local counsel and by Mr. Kenneth M. Levine, a member of the Massachusetts bar. Upon reviewing the Motion for Pro Hac Vice Admission filed on behalf of Mr. Levine, I entered an Order approving the Motion. Mr. Levine was lead counsel throughout the entire trial which lasted several days. His presentation on behalf of the plaintiff was excellent. His skill and demeanor in the courtroom was above reproach. His respect for the Court, the parties, the jurors, the curt staff and security officers was quite evident. Without qualification, I recommend that Mr. Levine be admitted pro hac vice to practice in any jurisdiction, federal or state. If you have any questions regarding my experience with Mr. Levine, please do not hesitate to contact me.