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Margaret Battersby Black is an influential trial lawyer in Illinois with more than 15 years of experience handling complex cases involving nursing home abuse, birth injuries, medical malpractice, and sexual assault. Her successful case results have set state records and made media headlines. She is a regular guest commentator for various news outlets in the Chicago area. Margaret is also a mentor to law students and younger lawyers. In 2015, Chicago-Kent Law School honored her as Outstanding Alumna of the Year for her significant contributions to the legal community. She is currently representing several former student-athletes in the Northwestern University hazing scandal.
Read Bio
Margaret Battersby Black is an influential trial lawyer in Illinois with more than 15 years of experience handling complex cases involving nursing home abuse, birth injuries, medical malpractice, and sexual assault. Her successful case results have set state records and made media headlines. She is a regular guest commentator for various news outlets in the Chicago area. Margaret is also a mentor to law students and younger lawyers. In 2015, Chicago-Kent Law School honored her as Outstanding Alumna of the Year for her significant contributions to the legal community. She is currently representing several former student-athletes in the Northwestern University hazing scandal.
Levin & Perconti is proud to announce that 21 of our attorneys have been honored by Super Lawyers® for 2026, marking another year of excellence in the legal community. Among them, 11 attorneys have earned the prestigious Super Lawyers distinction, while 10 have been recognized as Rising Stars. This achievement highlights not only the talent within our Chicago-based firm but also our unwavering commitment to providing top-tier legal representation nationwide.
Our founders, Steve Levin and John Perconti, both celebrate their 20th anniversary as Super Lawyers, a testament to their longstanding leadership in personal injury, medical malpractice, and nursing home abuse litigation.
With over $1 billion recovered for our clients, Levin & Perconti continues to fight for justice, advocating for those affected by negligence and abuse. As you read on, you’ll learn more about the outstanding attorneys who have made this recognition possible and the impact they’ve had on securing justice for our clients.
A Historic Milestone: Margaret Battersby Black Top 10 Super Lawyer
We are thrilled to celebrate Managing Partner Margaret Battersby Black for her remarkable achievement in 2026 of becoming the first attorney in Levin & Perconti’s history to earn a spot on the Super Lawyers® Top 10 list. This is an incredibly competitive honor, reserved for the absolute best attorneys in the state, and Margaret’s placement among the top 10 is a clear reflection of her exceptional legal skills, dedication, and tireless advocacy for her clients.
In addition to this prestigious recognition, Margaret was also named to the Top 50 Women list, underscoring her influence and leadership in the legal community, particularly in a field where few women reach such heights. Her consistent success is built on years of hard work and an unwavering commitment to securing justice for those who need it most.
Margaret’s impact extends far beyond her accolades. She is known for her meticulous case preparation and powerful courtroom advocacy, particularly in complex cases involving nursing home negligence, birth injuries, and medical malpractice. She has secured groundbreaking verdicts, including a $6 million group home abuse case and a $20 million birth injury verdict. Her strategic approach and relentless pursuit of justice have made her a champion for vulnerable individuals and families. Margaret’s place on the Super Lawyers Top 10 list is not just a recognition of her past accomplishments, but a testament to her ongoing influence and dedication to fighting for what’s right.
Firm Leadership and the 2026 Super Lawyers List
In addition to our law firm’s success, with 11 attorneys named Super Lawyers, we’re proud of Managing Partner Mike Bonamarte, who was named to the Top 100 Attorneys list for 2026.
2026 Super Lawyers Honorees of Levin & Perconti
The Future of the Firm: 2026 Rising Stars
We’re proud to introduce the 10 attorneys named to the Rising Stars list, a category reserved for the top 2.5% of lawyers. To be eligible for inclusion in Rising Stars, a candidate must be either 40 years old or younger or in practice for 10 years or less.
The 2026 Rising Stars Honorees:
Understanding the Super Lawyers Selection Process
The Super Lawyers selection process is a prestigious and rigorous recognition for attorneys who have demonstrated exceptional legal talent and professional achievement. Attorneys are selected through a multi-phase process, which includes peer nominations, evaluations, and independent research. This process identifies the top lawyers in a state based on factors such as their experience, case results, and professional reputation.
Attorneys who receive the “Super Lawyer” distinction are typically those who have been recognized for their excellence in practice for a significant period, usually 12 years or more. These individuals have earned a high level of peer recognition and respect in their respective fields of law. The process is designed to highlight those who have achieved the highest degree of success in their legal careers, making it an honor that reflects both their legal expertise and their standing in the legal community
The Levin & Perconti Difference: Mentorship and Results
The recognition of our attorneys by Super Lawyers® not only highlights individual excellence but also reflects Levin & Perconti’s strong commitment to multi-generational mentorship. Our firm fosters a collaborative environment where seasoned professionals work closely with young lawyers, ensuring that knowledge and experience are passed down, strengthening our legal teams for the future. This dynamic mentorship is key to our continued success and ability to deliver exceptional results.
While these prestigious awards reflect our legal prowess, our primary motivation remains the pursuit of justice. We are driven by the goal of holding negligent parties accountable, ensuring that our clients receive the compensation they deserve. With over $1 billion recovered in verdicts and settlements, our proven track record speaks for itself.
We also want to express our deep gratitude to the clients who place their trust in us during some of the most challenging times in their lives. Your confidence fuels our dedication and inspires us to fight even harder for justice.
If you or a loved one is in need of legal assistance in areas such as medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, or birth injuries, we invite you to contact Levin & Perconti for a free consultation. Let our experienced team guide you through the legal process and help secure the justice you deserve.
