Daisy Ayllon and Kelly Sabo Gaden of Levin & Perconti Receive “40 Under Forty” Honors

Levin & Perconti is proud to announce that two of our colleagues, Kelly Sabo Gaden and Daisy Ayllon, have been named to the 2021 list of “Forty Illinois Attorneys Under Forty to Watch” by Law Bulletin Publishing Company, publishers of Chicago Lawyer magazine and the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. Law Bulletin Publishing Company considers each nominee’s reputation, experience, skill, and character when making its selection.

“We are thrilled to see both Kelly and Daisy recognized in this way,” said Founding Partner Steven Levin. “Having such great young lawyers as part of our team helps us serve clients with the focus and dedication they deserve.”

Kelly Sabo Gaden, a partner who joined the firm earlier this year, is an advocate for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect, and medical malpractice. She has secured more than $50 million in jury verdicts and settlements for people who have been seriously or fatally injured in long term care facilities, including multiple record setting verdicts like the $1 million judgment that was the highest-ever verdict in Illinois for a hip fracture without death. She brings passion to each case and feels privileged to help her clients achieve justice and closure.

Gaden also acts as a worthy mentor to young women lawyers in her community and gives her time and other contributions to many charitable organizations, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“Kelly is exceptionally talented with great litigation skills resulting in successful verdicts,” said John Perconti, Founding Partner. “I am so impressed with both her and Daisy’s advocacy skills, intense work ethic and strong decision making skills.”

Read Kelly’s Full Law Bulletin Profile

Daisy Ayllon similarly focuses her practice on personal injury, nursing home abuse and neglect, and medical malpractice cases. Born in Mexico and fully bilingual, she recently made national headlines in both English- and Spanish-language media for her representation of the family of 27 year-old Ricardo Muñoz, a Pennsylvania man shot and killed by police as he was suffering a mental health crisis.

Ayllon’s go-getter attitude and compassionate personality carry over into her practice of law. During her six years as an attorney with Levin & Perconti, she has made numerous contributions to the field of law in the form of publications and speaking engagements. She also makes regular media appearances, always working to inform the public on various legal issues and promote justice for those most vulnerable to harm.

“Daisy has the inherent ability to analyze a case’s strengths and weaknesses and has done a remarkable job arguing cases both in trial and before our Appellate Court,” said John Perconti. “We are honored to have both her and Kelly on our team.”

When she’s not representing her clients, Ayllon uses her talents to give back to the community. She has worked with the American Bar Association Commission on Hispanic Rights and Responsibilities, and most recently served as the Secretary for Casa Central’s Emerging Leaders Auxiliary Board. Ayllon also serves as the firm’s liaison and team leader with the Constitutional Rights Foundation of Chicago’s Lawyers in the Classroom.

Read Daisy’s Full Law Bulletin Profile

For 12 consecutive years, attorneys from Levin & Perconti have graced this list after now-partner Michael Bonamarte led by example in 2010. This is the first year we’ve had the honor of seeing two of our attorneys recognized in tandem for their stellar commitment to the legal profession and dedication to the law and society. The partners at Levin & Perconti are truly thrilled to have such exemplary talent working at the firm. Each current and previously named lawyer is honored by their recognition as they strive for excellence within their communities and the legal field.

Past and present honorees include:

[Note: The omitted years belong to attorneys no longer employed at Levin & Perconti.]