Sidley Austin LLP: Levi John G

For businesses and corporations navigating the intricate landscape of labor and employment law, securing an attorney with deep, decades-long experience and a commitment to both legal excellence and broader societal impact is invaluable. John G. Levi, Senior Counsel at Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago, is precisely such a legal professional. With a career spanning 50 years at Sidley Austin, John G. Levi has established himself as a preeminent expert in labor, employment, and immigration law, representing major professional and financial services firms, as well as national and multinational corporations.

Mr. Levi’s practice extends beyond just litigation; he regularly handles claims concerning wrongful termination, fair employment issues, restrictive covenants, and wage and hour disputes before various federal and state courts, government agencies, and arbitration forums. He also has significant experience in negotiating with labor unions and providing comprehensive counsel on internal employment policies and corporate governance. Beyond his distinguished private practice, John G. Levi is widely recognized for his extensive public service, notably serving as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), the nation's largest funder of civil legal aid for low-income Americans. This dual commitment to sophisticated corporate representation and ensuring access to justice underscores his unique and highly respected position within the legal community, making him an outstanding resource for Illinois-based businesses.

John G. Levi practices at Sidley Austin LLP, located at 1 S Dearborn St # 900, Chicago, IL 60603. This prestigious address places his office in the vibrant and highly accessible Central Loop of downtown Chicago, a prime location that offers exceptional convenience for clients throughout Illinois and beyond. The firm's presence in this central business district ensures that it is well-connected and easy to reach, whether you are commuting from within the city or from surrounding areas.

The office building at One South Dearborn benefits from superb access to Chicago's extensive public transportation network. Multiple 'L' train stations are within a very short walking distance. The Monroe Station, serving the Blue Line (including direct service to O'Hare International Airport and western neighborhoods), is conveniently situated right on the southwest corner of the One South Dearborn plaza. The Red Line's Monroe and Washington Stations are just one block southeast along State Street, providing connections to various parts of the city. Additionally, the Madison Station, a mere two blocks east at Madison Avenue and Wabash Avenue, offers access to the Orange, Purple, Green, Pink, and Brown lines, ensuring comprehensive transit options from virtually any part of the Chicago metropolitan area.

For individuals commuting from wider Illinois, several Metra commuter rail stations are also conveniently located within walking distance, simplifying travel from counties such as Cook, DuPage, Lake, Will, McHenry, and Kane. Numerous Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus routes also have stops within a few blocks of the office, offering broad accessibility. The central downtown setting also ensures that taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available, further enhancing the ease of access to John G. Levi's office. This excellent connectivity underscores the firm's commitment to being a convenient and accessible legal resource for their sophisticated clientele.

John G. Levi's practice at Sidley Austin LLP is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services in labor and employment law, primarily representing management. His expertise covers a broad spectrum of critical areas:

• Employment Litigation: Defending corporations against claims of wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other employment-related disputes before federal and state courts, government agencies (such as the EEOC and Illinois Department of Labor), and arbitration forums.

• Wage and Hour Disputes: Handling complex issues related to compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and state wage and hour laws, including class and collective actions involving overtime, minimum wage, and meal/rest breaks.

• Restrictive Covenants and Trade Secrets: Drafting, enforcing, and defending against claims related to non-competition agreements, non-solicitation clauses, and the protection of trade secrets.

• Executive Employment and Post-Employment Covenants: Negotiating and preparing executive employment agreements and advising on post-employment covenants to protect corporate interests.

• Labor Management Relations: Representing unionized employers in negotiations with labor unions, handling unfair labor practice proceedings, and mediating or arbitrating disputes arising under collective bargaining agreements. He also handles mediations and arbitrations for non-union companies.

• Internal Policies and Governance Counseling: Providing proactive advice to clients on developing and revising internal employment policies, handbooks, and governance structures to ensure legal compliance and best practices.

• Immigration-Related Employment Issues: Addressing aspects of immigration law that intersect with employment, such as compliance with I-9 regulations and visa issues for employees.

John G. Levi's legal career is marked by an impressive array of features and highlights that underscore his exceptional standing and value to clients:

• Five Decades of Experience: Having been at Sidley Austin for 50 years, Mr. Levi brings an unparalleled depth of experience and institutional knowledge to labor and employment law, navigating decades of legal evolution.

• Chairman of the Legal Services Corporation (LSC): Appointed by President Obama and confirmed by the Senate, he has served as Chairman of the LSC Board since 2010. This role highlights his profound commitment to public service and access to justice, while also demonstrating his leadership capabilities on a national level.

• Recognized Legal Authority: John G. Levi is consistently honored by prestigious legal organizations. He has received the Harvard Law School Center on the Legal Profession's Award for Professional Excellence (2025), the ABA Presidential Citation (2024), the CASE Seymour Preston Award (2024), and the American Bar Association's John Minor Wisdom Award (2019). He is recognized in The Legal 500 U.S. and The Best Lawyers in America for Labor and Employment Law. He was also elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2013.

• Broad Client Representation: He represents a diverse range of clients, from major professional and financial services firms to national and multinational corporations, demonstrating his adaptability and expertise across various industries.

• Proactive Counseling: Beyond litigation, Mr. Levi frequently counsels clients on internal policies and governance, helping them proactively manage employment risks and foster compliant workplaces.

• Community Leadership: His involvement extends to various community initiatives, including leadership roles with the Francis W. Parker School in Chicago, the Cook County Justice for Children, and Northwestern University Law School's Center on Wrongful Convictions, showcasing his dedication to Chicago and its youth.

As a highly distinguished Senior Counsel at a globally recognized law firm like Sidley Austin LLP, John G. Levi does not typically offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional consumer sense. His value proposition is deeply rooted in his extensive experience, profound legal expertise, and a stellar reputation in high-stakes labor and employment law.

Clients who seek out an attorney of John G. Levi's caliber are investing in unparalleled legal strategy, sophisticated representation, and the assurance of working with a professional who has shaped the legal landscape for decades. The "offer" is the opportunity to benefit from:

• Decades of Strategic Insight: Access to a legal mind with 50 years of experience, offering a historical perspective on employment law trends and the foresight to anticipate future challenges.

• Top-Tier Advocacy: Representation by an attorney recognized nationally for his legal prowess and leadership in the profession.

• Comprehensive Risk Management: Proactive counseling that helps businesses avoid costly litigation and ensure long-term compliance, which is a far more significant financial benefit than any short-term discount.

His numerous awards, leadership roles, and a long-standing career at a top firm serve as the testament to the inherent value and quality of his legal services, making him a premier choice for complex labor and employment needs.

For businesses and organizations in Illinois seeking expert legal counsel in labor, employment, and immigration law, you can connect with John G. Levi at Sidley Austin LLP.

• Address: 1 S Dearborn St # 900, Chicago, IL 60603, USA

• Phone: (312) 853-7701

• Mobile Phone: +1 312-853-7701

His central Chicago location ensures convenient access for clients across the state, facilitating seamless engagement for critical legal matters.

For businesses and corporations throughout Illinois, John G. Levi at Sidley Austin LLP offers an exceptionally suitable and invaluable legal resource for all labor and employment matters. His five decades of dedicated experience and deep specialization mean that local businesses, regardless of their size or industry, can access a legal mind that has not only witnessed but also significantly influenced the landscape of employment law. In a state with a dynamic workforce and evolving regulations, having an attorney who is both a seasoned litigator and a proactive counselor is crucial for mitigating risks and fostering a compliant and harmonious workplace.

The strategic location of his office at 1 S Dearborn St in downtown Chicago further enhances its suitability for Illinois-based clients. Its unparalleled accessibility via numerous 'L' train lines, Metra commuter rail, and bus services ensures that HR professionals, business owners, and corporate counsel from across the state can easily reach his firm for critical meetings, strategic planning, and ongoing legal support. This convenience is paramount for busy organizations seeking timely and expert advice.

Moreover, John G. Levi's extensive accolades, his leadership in national legal initiatives like the Legal Services Corporation, and his proven ability to handle a wide range of complex employment issues — from high-stakes litigation to proactive policy guidance — provide immense value. For Illinois locals, knowing they have a legal advocate who is not only highly skilled but also deeply committed to both professional excellence and broader societal impact, offers significant peace of mind and a clear path to effectively managing their workforce and protecting their business interests.