Groves Grad Named to '40 Under 40' List

Margaret Battersby Black, an attorney with Levin & Perconti and a graduate, was recently named as one of the Law Bulletin Publishing Company’s 40 Illinois Attorneys Under 40 To Watch.

This distinction honors lawyers under the age of 40 in Illinois for their exceptional achievements on behalf of their clients, their work to advance the legal profession, and their commitment to their community. Lawyers are nominated by fellow attorneys, including co-counselors, judges and opposing attorneys. The Law Bulletin received over 1200 nominations this year for attorneys throughout Illinois. 

Black joined Levin & Perconti as a law clerk in 2006 and was hired as an associate after graduating from Chicago Kent in 2008. In less than three years as a lawyer, Black has already achieved a number of notable settlements for her clients in personal injury and wrongful death matters involving complex medical malpractice, nursing home abuse and neglect, and accident matters. 

Recently, she helped founding partner Steve Levin obtain a $17.7 million medical malpractice settlement against a Chicago hospital. She also assisted in a $3.3 million medical malpractice/wrongful death settlement, a $1 million settlement nursing home negligence settlement, and a $750,000 pressure sore settlement against a Chicago nursing home. 

Black’s dedication extends to her professional and community involvement. She is an active member of the Chicago Chapter of the American Constitution Society, previously serving on the organization’s board as Outreach Coordinator. She is also a member of the American Association for Justice, the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and the Illinois State Bar Association. 

Black also takes interest in privately mentoring law students on job interviewing techniques, resume building and how to succeed in law school, and has spoken at several law schools about her experiences. Additionally, she regularly judges law school moot court competitions at area law schools.

Prior to law school, Black obtained her undergraduate business degree from the University of Michigan and graduated with University Honors. Margaret grew up in Beverly Hills and attended Groves High School where she was involved in academics, school leadership and sports.  She is the daughter of Michael Battersby and the late Patricia Battersby of Beverly Hills, and step-daughter of Suzanne Battersby. Her father is an attorney at The Sam Bernstein Law Firm in Farmington Hills.

Black’s “40 Under Forty” profile highlights her accomplishments and her reputation as a fair and commendable colleague and adversary. It also notes Margaret’s diligence and commitment to her clients.  View Margaret’s profile: www.levinperconti.com/docs/margaretbattersby_40underforty2011.pdf.

This piece was provided by the Levin & Perconti law firm.