Our partners Steve Levin, John Perconti, Mike Bonamarte, Margaret Battersby Black, and Dov Apfel have been named on the 2026 Leading Lawyers “Top 250 Attorneys in Illinois” list, a special edition celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
This recognition reflects the exceptional expertise, dedication, and proven track record these attorneys bring to their clients every single day.
The Selected Attorneys
Steven M. Levin — Founding partner and national leader in medical malpractice and nursing home abuse litigation, with over 35 years of experience. Known as one of the nation’s best trial attorneys, Steven’s cross-examination skills are widely sought after, and he remains a pioneer in nursing home abuse and neglect law.
John J. Perconti — Founding partner and nationally recognized medical malpractice expert, achieving record-setting verdicts and settlements throughout his illustrious career. John is regarded as one of the leading nursing home negligence lawyers in Chicago.
Michael F. Bonamarte IV — Managing partner with extensive expertise in medical malpractice and personal injury cases, committed to providing top-tier representation.
Margaret P. Battersby Black — Managing Partner and influential trial lawyer 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.
Dov Apfel — Partner specializing in birth injury litigation. Championing patient safety by holding hospitals, drug manufacturers, and medical providers accountable for catastrophic care failures.
What Is Leading Lawyers?
Leading Lawyers is one of Illinois’ most respected and authoritative sources for identifying top legal talent. Leading Lawyers selections are made through a rigorous peer nomination process, with a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates, and peer reviews by practice area.
The recognition is selective, and less than 5% of all lawyers licensed in Illinois receive the distinction of Leading Lawyer status.
The Selection Process
The recognition from Leading Lawyers is not simple. The organization maintains one of the most rigorous evaluation systems in the legal profession, ensuring that only the truly exceptional attorneys are recognized.
A Survey of 71,000+ Lawyers
Leading Lawyers mails annual surveys to all 71,000+ lawyers listed in Sullivan’s Law Directory, asking, If a family member, friend, or colleague needed legal representation, which lawyers would you recommend. This peer-to-peer recommendation model is the foundation of the selection process.
A Multiphase Evaluation
According to legal lawyers, “The selection process is comprehensive and multifaceted. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates, and peer reviews by practice area.” This three-pronged approach ensures that:
- Peer Nominations gather insights from fellow attorneys who work alongside and against the candidates
- Independent Research validates claims and evaluates accomplishments, case results, and professional standing
- Practice Area Reviews ensure that attorneys are evaluated by experts within their specific legal fields
Why Peer Review Matters
Leading Lawyers recognizes a fundamental truth: only other attorneys truly understand the quality, experience, and reputation of their peers. Lawyers face unique challenges, complex ethical situations, and demanding clients. Who better to judge excellence in the legal profession than the lawyers themselves?
A Tradition of Excellence at Levin & Perconti
This recognition builds on Levin & Perconti’s long history of achieving outstanding results for clients. The firm has recovered over $2 billion in verdicts and settlements, with numerous record-setting cases that have made headlines and set state precedents.
Our founding partners, Steve Levin and John Perconti, have been recognized as Super Lawyers for decades, a testament to their consistent excellence and leadership in personal injury, medical malpractice, and nursing home abuse litigation. Their achievements have paved the way for the next generation of talented attorneys at the firm.
What This Recognition Means for Our Clients
When clients choose Levin & Perconti, they’re hiring attorneys who have been vetted not just by our firm, but by the legal community itself. This Leading Lawyers recognition validates our commitment to excellence and our unwavering dedication to achieving justice for those we represent.
Our attorneys’ recognition reflects their tireless work on behalf of victims of nursing home abuse, medical malpractice, birth injuries, and personal injury. Each recognition is earned through successful case outcomes, ethical practice, community involvement, and the respect of their peers.
Looking Forward
We are immensely grateful to the legal community for this recognition of our attorneys’ excellence. As we continue to serve clients across the nation, we remain committed to the highest standards of legal representation and to pursuing justice for those who have been wronged.
If you or a loved one has been injured or victimized, we encourage you to contact us online or call 312-467-7409. The five attorneys honored this year, along with our entire team, are ready to fight for the justice you deserve.
