August 21, 2006
Guy Levy '97 Produces San Diego Speaker Series
When 1997 Thomas Jefferson graduate Guy Levy and his law partner Paul Bates began attending political speaker series in other cities a few years ago, they thought: “Why not in San Diego?”
Indeed, why not in San Diego?
Now, Levy and Bates are the two principals in the new San Diego Speaker Series, which will debut on September 26 with former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani as the kick off speaker.
The event will be held at San Diego State University’s Cox Arena, which is a matter of pride for Levy, who got his undergraduate degree at SDSU.
The series continues on October 24 with political consultant James Carville and author Ann Coulter sharing the stage, and wraps up on December 5 with former U.S. Senator Bob Dole and retired General Wesley Clark appearing together.
Levy hopes the Speaker Series will become an institution in San Diego, like the Chargers or the Symphony. VIP ticket holders will be able to have themselves photographed with the guest speakers – just as Levy has done with celebrities such as Bill Clinton and Bob Dole.
Levy has spent more than 60 percent of his time working on the series for the past year and a half, and is teamed up with SDSU, the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and the House of Blues, which are the event’s co-sponsors.
In their law practice, Levy and Bates do civil litigation such as personal injury and workers compensation, as well as estate planning.
It is one thing to practice law. It is quite another to have the pull to attract such high-powered speakers. “It’s knowing the right people,” Levy says. It also helps to have an experienced agent to help with the negotiations.
Levy got into this because he feels that every lawyer needs to be involved in something exciting in addition to his or her practice.
"It is VERY exciting,” Levy says, as the event draws nearer. “So much is happening.”
Note: All Thomas Jefferson Alumni Association members, as well as TJSL faculty, staff and students are entitled to a discount for the San Diego Speaker Series. You will receive a 10% discount on your ticket purchase. Preferred seating is reserved for you and you pay no Ticketmaster handling fees. To take advantage of this offer, contact the San Diego Speaker Series at (619) 232-9000.