Richard S. Levick

Richard S. Levick
Name	Richard S. Levick
Occupation	Attorney, public relations executive
Known for	Founder of Levick

Richard S. Levick is an American attorney and public affairs executive known for founding the global strategic communications firm Levick. He has represented corporations, trade associations, and public officials in high-profile litigation, regulatory matters, and crisis communications, often intersecting with media, policy, and international affairs. Levick's career spans law, public relations, and dispute resolution, engaging with legal firms, government entities, and multinational corporations.

Early life and education

Levick was raised in the United States and completed undergraduate studies before attending law school, where he earned a Juris Doctor. During his formative years he engaged with legal institutions and civic organizations that shaped his interest in litigation and public affairs. His education connected him to networks associated with law firms, bar associations, and academic institutions that produced leaders in corporate governance and regulatory practice.

Legal and public relations career

Levick began his professional career practicing law at prominent law firms and later transitioned into strategic communications by founding Levick. He combined experience from litigation practice at law firms and regulatory work involving agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Department of Justice, and state attorneys general. At Levick he developed practices addressing crisis management, litigation communications, and public policy advocacy serving clients across sectors including financial services, healthcare, technology, and energy. His firm worked with multinational corporations, trade associations like the American Bar Association and Business Roundtable, and collaborated with law firms, consultancies, and media organizations including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Bloomberg during major corporate and political controversies.

Notable cases and clients

Levick has advised on litigation and crisis matters involving leading corporations, regulatory investigations, and public officials. He and his firm represented clients in matters related to financial litigation with institutions such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bank of America; in healthcare disputes involving organizations like Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson; and in technology and communications issues concerning companies such as Facebook, Google, and Microsoft. His engagements touched on high-profile regulatory inquiries by the Securities and Exchange Commission and enforcement actions by the Federal Trade Commission. The firm also advised trade groups including the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America and crisis responses for media entities such as CNN and The Wall Street Journal.

Publications and thought leadership

Levick authored and contributed to commentary and analyses addressing crisis communications, reputational risk, and legal strategy. He has published essays in outlets like Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and Harvard Business Review and has been cited in commentary by broadcasters including CNBC and NPR. His thought leadership includes discussions on media strategy during litigation, the intersection of public affairs and regulatory policy, and risk management for multinational corporations, often engaging with scholars and practitioners from institutions such as Harvard Law School, Columbia Law School, and Georgetown University.

Awards, honors, and affiliations

Over his career Levick received recognition from industry organizations and was affiliated with professional associations and advisory boards. He has been listed by trade publications and rankings focused on public relations and legal communications, and served on boards and committees tied to entities like the Public Relations Society of America and major bar associations. His work has been recognized in rankings published by The American Lawyer and industry lists by PRWeek and Adweek.

Personal life and philanthropy

Levick's personal activities include involvement with nonprofit organizations, cultural institutions, and philanthropic initiatives. He has participated in charitable work and served on boards supporting causes related to civic engagement, legal education, and community development, collaborating with nonprofits and foundations, and engaging with leaders from institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, United Way, and university alumni organizations.

Category:American lawyers Category:Public relations people