Todd Levine is a commercial litigator and founding member of Kluger, Kaplan, Silverman, Katzen & Levine P.L. While he focuses on litigation involving commercial real estate, he has 28 years of experience handling all types of complex business disputes. He has been repeatedly recognized as one of the “Best Lawyers in America” by the U.S. News and World Report. He has also handled cases in the sports and entertainment industries. His creative flair and ability to develop unique solutions to complicated problems has made him a notable lawyer in South Florida.
Over the years, Levine has had to face his challenges head-on and turn them into strengths. As a young attorney, he would sometimes find himself taken by surprise when an opposing lawyer would produce an unexpected witness or throw a wrench in his plan – unanticipated events that are common for many in the legal field. He faced these challenges directly and developed a method of forethought and outlining that still serves him today. But Levine has a knack for thinking on his feet; an important trait for a successful litigator. Levine also lives by the mantra of being proactive –to the benefit of his clients, for whom he cares deeply.
What is an example of unique perspective you bring to your cases?
When clients bring complicated or convoluted cases to me, I immediately look for ways to simplify the complex issues into something that judges and juries can easily understand and relate to. As I’ve achieved success for my clients over the years, more people have increasingly turned to me to help resolve their disputes. Sometimes the resolution is amicable, but other times it is necessary to obtain a judgment or prevail in an appeal.
What is one marketing strategy, in addition to referrals, that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
Word of mouth and referrals, I find, speak for themselves. I rely on my clients to pass on word of our success together, and this works very well. However, I do not just rely on my clients’ testimonials; being an active member of the community and using online media to engage with the world is an important part of being an accessible member of the legal field. By making myself visible online, I find that I’m able to smoothly generate new business.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
Representing clients in complex or challenging cases requires handling tough decisions on an almost daily basis. Determining one singular “toughest” decision would be a challenge, given the complexities of the cases on which I work, but because I have the ability to simplify intricate issues and make them easy to comprehend, many decisions that may have originally posed a challenge become much simpler choices to make.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
While I take pride in my creativity, imagination, and ability to simplify the most complex of legal matters, I believe that what really makes me successful is my humanity and care for my clients as individuals. I strive to make myself accessible to those who need me, and I inject inventiveness and innovation into my work to bring my clients out on top. One of the most important things to me is having my clients consider me as their valued business advisor. When someone reaches out to me, they receive an answer no more than 24 hours after that contact – and often long before then. My clients and other professionals are the backbone of my success, and I value them and their situations. I want to assist them, because all of them deserve the best legal representation. My success comes from my clients’ success.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
There is hardly a feeling as satisfying as walking a client out of their complex, disheartening, and overwhelming circumstances into a successful outcome. I am privileged to experience this feeling often as I assist my clients in resolving their issues. This is particularly true in high-stakes cases and those where a very creative solution is needed. I can recall a number of cases on which an unexpected witness has been called or a unique solution was required in a pinch, and helping clients succeed in those situations is very satisfying.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
I am fortunate to litigate a broad range of commercial disputes; this enhances my ability to be engaged to represent a client, and I am always excited to bring my insights into new industries. I am an aficionado of scientific thought and creativity, and I welcome the opportunity to put my skills to use in new fields and novel applications.
What books have inspired you?
I am a big fan of The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. I appreciate the book’s focus on the distinction of individualism; this resonates with me because I see strong connections between the value of the individual and the ability to produce creative strategies and ideas. Creativity is bred by individuality, and this idea forms the core concept of the book.