Arnold Levin, one of the nation’s preeminent class action and mass tort attorneys, passed away on September 20, 2024, at the age of 85. A founding partner of Levin Sedran & Berman in Philadelphia, Levin was recognized as a trailblazer in complex litigation. His practice evolved from admiralty law to focus on environmental, product liability (including defective medical devices and pharmaceuticals), and antitrust cases, with a national reach as both a trial and appellate lawyer.

Levin graduated with honors from Temple University in 1961 and earned his LL.B. from Temple Law School in 1964, where he served as Articles Editor of the Temple Law Quarterly. He also served in the U.S. Army before beginning his legal career.

Throughout his 60-year career, Levin was deeply involved in various legal organizations. He served as Chairman of the Commercial Litigation Section of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America (now the American Association for Justice) and as co-chair of the Antitrust Section of the Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association. He was a fellow of the Roscoe Pound Foundation, past Vice-Chairman of the Maritime Insurance Law Committee of the American Bar Association, and a Fellow of the International Society of Barristers. Levin was frequently listed in Best Lawyers in America and was recognized as a leading lawyer in the field.

Levin’s impressive legal career includes pivotal cases that have shaped class action and product liability law. He served as Co-Lead Counsel in In re: Asbestos School Litigation, where he helped secure a nationwide class action on behalf of school districts seeking remediation from asbestos manufacturers. Another landmark case was In re: Diet Drugs Litigation, where Levin was part of the Plaintiffs’ Management Committee. The case resulted in a multi-billion-dollar settlement with American Home Products Corporation, one of the largest product liability settlements in history, totaling $7.65 billion for over 11,000 plaintiffs.

Levin was also Subclass Counsel in In re: National Football League Players’ Concussion Litigation, a landmark settlement that changed how the NFL addresses head injuries. He played a crucial role in the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Litigation and served as Lead Counsel in several cases involving native corporations and fishing permit holders.

Beyond these major cases, Levin was appointed to leadership roles in many others, including Silicone Gel Breast Implants Products Liability Litigation, Vioxx Products Liability Litigation, Testosterone Replacement Therapy Products Liability Litigation, and the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill litigation. His responsibilities included Co-Lead Counsel, Chair of Law and Briefing Committees, and membership on Steering, Settlement, and Fee Committees.

Levin’s contributions to the legal field were widely recognized. He was consistently named in Best Lawyers in America, Law Dragon’s 500 Leading Lawyers in America, and the National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100 Trial Lawyers. He received numerous honors from U.S. News & World Report and the National Trial Lawyers Association, and he was also included in the National Law Journal’s inaugural list of America’s Elite Trial Lawyers. Levin earned the highest rating, “AV,” in Martindale-Hubbell and was named to its Register of Preeminent Lawyers.

Outside his professional achievements, Levin was known for his humility and devotion to family. He was married to Barbara Levin until her passing in 1999 and later to Brenda Koenig Levin. He is survived by three children—Dawn Schwab, Daniel Levin, and Rebecca Schwam—three stepchildren—Andrew, Jeffrey, and Daniel Koenig—and fourteen grandchildren. Levin cherished his family and made each member feel loved and special.

Levin’s legacy extends beyond his vast legal expertise and courtroom success. He will be remembered for his mentorship, his dedication to justice, and his unwavering advocacy on behalf of those who needed it most.

Levin Sedran & Berman