The Honorable Craig Levin
May 2022 Justinian Member of the Month

The Honorable Craig Levin is a judge of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas in Pennsylvania. He assumed office on January 3, 2022. His current term ends January 5, 2032. Judge Levin was born and raised in Philadelphia. His life has been shaped by the communities where he grew up: First in West Oak Lane, then moving as a teenager to the Northeast. He attended Philadelphia Public Schools, graduating from Temple University with a B.S. in Finance and earned his Juris Doctorate from the Delaware School of Law at Widener University. He is a proud "Philly guy" and loves all things "Philly".

Judge Levin was a civil trial lawyer and experienced litigator in Philadelphia for 34. He was a partner in the law firm of Friedman & Levin Associates. As an attorney, Judge Levin litigated over 2,000 cases in state and federal forums handling criminal defense, civil matters, estate issues, family law, and contract disputes. Judge Levin has also been a certified NHL and NFL agent and represented numerous professional athletes. In 2019 Judge Levin was elected by his peers to the Board of Governors of the Philadelphia Bar Association. He was the chair of the legal department of the Philadelphia Democratic Party from October 2019 until October 2021. In that role he performed over one thousand hours of pro-bono services for underserved communities of our city.

Judge Levin volunteered his time as a board member of the Community Forgiveness and Restoration Initiative "CFR", which works to provide incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals with the skills, resources, and services needed to successfully reintegrate back into the community after release from prison. He also volunteered his services as an attorney for the SeniorLAW Center as well as served as pro-bono counsel to SALEA (Spanish American Law Enforcement Association), an organization that supports food kitchens, college scholarships, mentoring, hurricane relief in Puerto Rico, and a host of other services in Philadelphia's Latino community. Judge Levin was a youth ice hockey coach for 17 years, mentoring young people and teaching them life lessons through hard work, preparedness, and teamwork.

Judge Levin has devoted his entire career to fighting for justice, fairness, and equity in the city of Philadelphia. His many years of legal experience have led him to appreciate the significant impact the court system can have on all our lives and has prepared him for his role as Judge of the Court of Common Pleas.

Una Piccola Conversazione

1. How long have you been a member of the Justinian Society?

Since 2019.

2. Why did you join the Justinian Society, and what do you hope to gain from membership?

I joined the Justinian Society because of my dear friend, Dino Privitera. I am looking to gain friendship as well as cultural diversity.

3. What do you love or enjoy most about your job?

The ability to make sure that the playing field is level and that each party has the opportunity to get their day in court. I love to be in the courtroom and enjoy the action and mental challenge that it brings.

4. How would you define success?

Great family and friends. At the end of the day that is most important.

5. Who or what inspires you?

My mother has always inspired me. No matter what life threw at her, she overcame it and kept going. She never let anything defeat her. She taught me the value and showed me the joy in helping others.

6. If you could choose anyone in history as a mentor, who would you choose and why?

Supreme Court Justice Benjamin Cardoza. He was a brilliant jurist. His legal opinions were well ahead of their time, especially in tort and contract law. I could have learned a lot from him about being a judge.

7. Name one valuable lesson you've learned in your life and that you would advise other members to follow?

You only have one chance to make a first impression. Make sure you understand that and always give it your all. You never want to look in the mirror and feel that you should have worked harder or done more. If you are going to do something, do it right.

8. What's something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?

I am an avid cyclist and love to go on 100-mile rides.

9. What's the last book you read?

The Judge's List by John Grisham.

10. What's your favorite thing about Philadelphia, i.e., sports team, restaurant, museum, history, music etc.?

Everything. I am a big cheesesteak, hoagie, soft pretzel, and water ice guy. I love all Philly sports teams, even though they break your heart all the time. What I love most about Philadelphia is its vibe, diversity, and acceptance of all people.