Service Areas
Education
- Harvard Law School, J.D.
- Yale University, B.A.
Bar Admissions
- Illinois
Court Admissions
U.S. District Court
- Northern District of Illinois
Robert C. Levels' practice focuses primarily on complex commercial litigation, products liability cases, and consumer class actions.
He has represented clients in a variety of commercial contract disputes, including supply chain disputes subject to the Uniform Commercial Code. He has also defended clients in multiple industries and jurisdictions against a variety of "no injury" consumer class cases as well as class cases featuring allegations of consumer fraud, conspiracy, and violations of state and federal law. In addition, Robert has extensive experience with the Class Action Fairness Act (CAFA) and jurisdictional issues related to class action practice.
He has also devoted considerable time to pro bono work for civil litigants and asylum seekers.
Robert is committed to providing pro bono legal services. He obtained asylum for a doctor from the Darfur region of Sudan and secured asylum for a Tibetan Monk (and master artisan) fleeing persecution in India and China. He has also represented several victims of domestic violence in proceedings to obtain orders of protection against abusers and represented a prisoner in a Section 1983 case for deliberate indifference and medical malpractice against certain Illinois state prison officials.
Experience
Prior to attending law school, Robert was a Legal Product Manager with Fidelity Investments where he gained extensive experience with Securities Exchange Act and Investment Company Act disclosure requirements for mutual funds and proxy statements.
Representative Matters
- Automobile Manufacturer Class Action
Represented a multinational automobile manufacturer in a putative nationwide class action in which plaintiffs allege they and putative class members purchased vehicles based on "false and misleading" advertising of the EPA fuel economy for the vehicle, which plaintiffs contend cannot be achieved under normal driving conditions.
- Dairy Company Class Action
Represented an organic dairy in putative nationwide class actions alleging state law causes of action based on purported violations of laws and regulations pertaining to the regulation of organic foods and successfully defeated plaintiffs' attempts to circumvent the multidistrict litigation process vis-à-vis challenges to federal jurisdiction under the Class Action Fairness Act.
- Futures and Options Shareholder Class Action
Represented a preeminent futures and options on futures exchange in a fast-paced putative shareholder class action to block the exchange's imminent $11 billion merger.
- Global Investment Bank Class Actions
Represented a subsidiary of a global investment bank in two putative class actions alleging manipulation of an auction for electricity, purportedly resulting in excessive prices. Plaintiffs identified a number of causes of action including state consumer fraud and unjust enrichment claims. Client prevailed in a motion to dismiss.
- Information Services Provider Class Action
Represented an information services provider in putative class actions filed in state and federal court alleging that the provider's vehicle valuation product undervalues total loss vehicles.
- Securities Litigation
Represented a client in a 10b-5 securities case arising out of the company's restatement of financials.
- Truck and Engine Manufacturer Dispute
Represented a multibillion dollar truck and engine manufacturer in a complex commercial dispute, obtaining summary judgment in favor of the manufacturer on $50 million of plaintiff's claim prior to settlement.
Professional Activities
- American Bar Association
- Illinois State Bar Association
- Chicago Committee on Minorities in Large Law Firms, Chair of the Associate Board
- Posse Foundation, Leadership Council
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