2015 Citizen Lawyers: Hal Levinson

CHARLOTTE – The North Carolina Bar Association is proud to recognize Charlotte attorney Hal Levinson with its Citizen Lawyer Award. The award honors attorneys who provide exemplary public service to their communities.

As a Charlotte native, Levinson’s commitments to his hometown span many decades and can be seen throughout many cross-sections of the community. Despite his full plate of volunteer activities, Levinson continues to maintain a successful law practice as a partner at Moore & Van Allen, where he has advised business clients on merger and acquisitions, strategic decisions, and complex transactions for the last 33 years.

Levinson’s commitments are so expansive that it would be exhaustive to attempt to list each and every organization where he has volunteered his time. Perhaps his most visible impact in Charlotte can be seen on the campus of Shalom Park, which is now home to 225,000 square feet of indoor facilities together with a day camp and outdoor athletic fields.

Levinson spent seven years serving as president of the Foundation of Shalom Park, during which time he chaired the campaign committee that raised approximately $40 million for new construction and endowment. Under Levinson’s leadership, the goal to expand Shalom Park became a reality, and now these new facilities and programs are available for the entire Charlotte community to enjoy.

After decades of giving back, Levinson has no desire to limit his civic involvement. He currently chairs the advisory board of the UNC Center for Jewish Studies in Chapel Hill, a board which supports the multidisciplinary academic endeavors of the UNC College of Arts & Sciences.

In addition, Levinson is currently a member of the board of advisors for the Carolinas Healthcare System, where he also serves on its Quality Care Committee. In further commitment to our community, Levinson chairs the Nominating and Governance Committee of the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and is proud to be an original board member of this important organization.

Levinson has seen the city of Charlotte and the Mecklenburg County Bar experience much growth during his lifetime. While it would certainly be easy to blend into the background and let others take the lead, Levinson believes that lawyers have a special duty to use their skills and training to give back to society. Quietly leading by example, Levinson has been a wonderful role model to young and seasoned lawyers alike of what it means to be a “Citizen Lawyer.”

The Citizen Lawyer Committee of the NCBA Young Lawyers Division, in conjunction with the NCBA Citizen Lawyer Committee, provides expanded coverage of the 2015 Citizen Lawyer Awards in recognition of their volunteer service and leadership in their communities and beyond.

Adam Hocutt is an attorney at Dozier Miller Law Group in Charlotte.