Heidi Levine is a global co-leader of the Product Liability and Mass Torts practice, member of Sidley Austin’s Executive Committee, serves on Sidley’s Global Life Sciences Leadership Council, and is a firmwide co-chair of the firm’s women’s initiative. She has defended companies in a wide variety of product liability and mass tort litigation involving pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, environmental toxic torts, and other products. Heidi also advises clients on risk management, analysis and prevention, as well as conducts pre-litigation assessments and due diligence.
Experience
Pro Bono: In 2014, Heidi taught a week-long class in Zambia on the principles of legal writing and analysis to strengthen the legal writing skills of 90 students at the University of Zambia School of Law (UNZA) in an effort to help better prepare them for written school exams, the bar exam and in practice. From 2012 to 2015, she oversaw the free legal clinics provided by the New York City Bar Justice Center in coordination with the September 11 Victims Compensation Fund for first responders seeking coverage for injuries and illnesses caused by the hazards of working at the World Trade Center site following 9/11.
Activities: Heidi devotes much of her time to mentoring women in the legal industry in and outside the firm to aid in the advancement of their careers. She is a firmwide co-chair of SidleyWomen (and was co-founder and co-chair of her prior firm’s global women’s initiative from 2006–2016). From 2016 to 2022, Heidi served on the board of Girls on the Run International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring girls using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. She also continues to serve as a mentor through Legal Outreach. Heidi served on the board of directors of the New York City Bar Fund from 2011 to 2017. In addition, she is a member of the Defense Research Institute’s Drug and Medical Device Committee. In 2023, Heidi co-founded and co-chaired the inaugural Women’s Summit at the Trial Lawyers of Mass Torts Conference.
Education
- University of Baltimore School of Law, J.D., 1995 (magna cum laude, Notes Editor, Law Review, Honor Society)
- University of Maryland, B.A., 1992
Honors
- In 2022, Heidi was recognized by The Best Lawyers in America for her work in Product Liability Litigation – Defendants.
- From 2017–2022, Heidi has been recognized by Chambers USA in nationwide Product Liability & Mass Torts. Sources in the 2020 edition describe Heidi as “a tenacious litigator — if you have her in your corner you can’t go wrong,” and a “standout lawyer” who is “very highly respected by her clients, who trust and value her advice and recommendations” and is “very skilled.” Sources in the 2018 edition describe Heidi as “‘a really deep, strategic thinker, and a pleasure to work with.’”
