Marc A. Levinson

Bankruptcy

Levinson has spent the last year leading the city of Vallejo through Chapter 9 bankruptcy proceedings. Vallejo is one of a handful of cities across the country to file for bankruptcy and its every move is being closely watched. "It's the kind of case where you stay up at night thinking, 'Could I do something more or better?' because the stakes are so high. You're fighting for the survival of a city," says Levison.

So far, he's helped Vallejo negotiate new contracts with firefighters and police and is in the process of creating a long-term plan to help the city manage its finances. Levinson says his previous experience representing both debtors and creditors has helped him navigate the Vallejo case. "When you've represented creditors and are now in a debtor case, it makes you understand what the creditors are thinking."