Steven H. Levin

"The difference between a good lawyer and a great lawyer is that a good lawyer wins your case; a great lawyer makes the whole thing go away." Steve is a GREAT lawyer. I say this not just based on his command of the law, but also from his exceptional personal engagement with his client - me - at e...very step of the way. To be specific to my case, I had an adverse reaction to prescribed medications that led to a DWI. Rather than taking the easy and sure way out of minimizing the legal impact through a settlement, Steve did the homework and laid out the strategy based on a "whole person" approach. He advised me to do all of the remediation steps quickly (awareness courses, etc) while simultaneously engaging with the State Attorney to illustrate that the incident was not an indication of bad character or decision making. He kept me actively informed throughout the whole process. The result was That the charges were dismissed. . The most telling and impressive part of Steve's strategy was that it was based on having a strong, respected relationship with the State's Attorney Office. That only happens when someone is of high character and professionalism - which Steve has in spades. I could not recommend him more highly.

I am a partner at an AmLaw 100 firm (one of the 100 largest law firms in the United States). I have litigated cases myself. I hired Steve for a commercial arbitration perhaps five years ago. I had the choice of arbitrating or litigating in court - he helped me make the correct decision (and provid...ed calm counsel despite my strong desire for scorched-earth litigation against someone clearly lying and providing false testimony). He understood the law and the process - but (perhaps more importantly) he also understood the economic pressures associated with the case and helped balance my anger against the expected recovery. In doing so, he applied a sound strategy to expose opposing counsel's misrepresentations and also eased a disturbing process with knowledge, calm, and grace - and he won my case in the most economic way possible. Before I retained him as my own personal lawyer, I did my research. I knew that was in the U.S. Army reserves (where he holds the rank of Colonel and sits as a Judge). Also, I watched Steve litigate cases as an Assistant U.S. District Attorney on behalf of the Federal Government. Literally, I have sat in court and watched him argue cases - opening arguments, cross examination, closing, etc. I have also watched him argue as defense counsel on behalf half of private clients in federal criminal cases. He has poise and a calming demeanor that plays well with juries. And he is respected and known by the judges. For these reasons, I have recommended him to represent my clients and my good friends (on numerous occasions). I have found him to be unquestioningly ethical and effective. In at least one case, his adept strategy and strong relationships with prosecutors (in this p[articular case state prosecutors) resulted in a full dismissal of charges even before trial. He was able to explain why the charges were overbroad and inappropriate - and his reputation helped to convince the prosecutor to dismiss the case. But besides prosecutors and judges, he is known and respected by the Maryland Bar and other defense counsel. Personally, I have also sought his counsel on other personal issues, in particular for how to handle issues associated with my own family members. (There was a potential criminal issue where an elderly parent was taken advantage of - and I consulted Steve to assess whether or how to encourage prosecutors to bring a case.) Our work relationship has also become a strong friendship. And Steve has a witty and sharp sense of humor. In short, I recommend him without hesitation and believe that he does an outstanding job. This is my first review on Avvo. And while there are many attorneys who you could hire for a white collar or other criminal matter, there are few with the integrity, client focus, and expertise that Steve possesses.

Steve was a huge help to me during a daunting situation. He was very professional but also had great interpersonal skills. He demonstrated a huge amount of experience in the court system and resolved a scheduling issue with an impressive amount of ease. While we worked together, he made himself avail...able to answer every text, phone call and email. I would highly recommend Steve to anyone looking for an attorney they can trust.

Steve represented me in a very complicated matter involving two highly profile government agencies. He quickly gathered all the facts of the case and did an outstanding job of focusing on those facts and the truth which led to my total vindication and overwhelming win! He's very intelligent and very... strategic in his thought process and approach. He was two steps ahead of his counterparts at all times and he was able to accurately predict their questions. Additionally, he was able to settle me down and encourage me during one of the most difficult times in my life. I will always value his experience and guidance! Much Respect!

I have been very unfortunate in having the Federal Government pursuing me. I have lost my business, my friends, my wife and my family because of all of this. The bright spot is that I have had Steve to give me really clear direction and counsel through a painful ordeal. Steve has demonstrated a hig...h level of professionalism and great tactical knowledge in helping me through all of this. Steve has also treated me with patience, compassion and genuine concern not just as another legal case but as a human being. Steve is a very talented attorney but he also has been of great character, ethics and genuine humanity through this ongoing saga. He is what every attorney should model themselves after!