Marc A. Levinson, 61

Restructuring and insolvency

When the City of Vallejo filed for bankruptcy last year, it became the largest U.S. municipality to seek bankruptcy protection since Orange County in 1994, and it hired Levinson to lead it through the tumult. Levinson scored the city a recent win when U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Michael McManus forced the electrical workers' union to reject its collective bargaining agreement with the city. Levinson also helped Vallejo settle with its fire, police and managerial employee unions. He's advising other California cities, as well, about whether they should file for bankruptcy protection. He also represents corporate clients and individuals, including a Sacramento developer with $500 million in debt. That client's repayment plan went into effect this month.