Gerchik and Leventhal Selected for Daily Journal’s 2026 “Leading Commercial Litigators”

Glaser Weil is proud to announce that Partners Julie Gerchik and Joe Leventhal have been named to the Daily Journal’s 2026 list of Leading Commercial Litigators. This annual feature recognizes select California attorneys who handle the most sophisticated, high‑stakes business disputes and whose work has had a significant impact on clients, industries and the development of the law.

Gerchik, Co‑Chair of Glaser Weil’s Litigation Department, was recognized for nearly 20 years of experience litigating complex commercial disputes and high‑profile First Amendment matters. The Daily Journal highlighted her representation of the Simon Wiesenthal Center and Rabbi Abraham Cooper in securing dismissal of a $4.8 billion defamation action brought by the Nation of Islam, both in the Southern District of New York and the Second Circuit.

Quoted on how her caseload reflects a broader shift across the profession regarding arbitration, Gerchik observed:

“More clients are now willing to litigate in court, publicly and directly, recognizing that certain disputes benefit from the full transparency and structure of a public judicial process.”

Leventhal, a Partner and Head of Litigation for the San Diego Office, was selected for his more than two decades of experience handling sophisticated commercial litigation, including business disputes, securities class actions and trademark matters. The Daily Journal noted Leventhal’s strategic approach to litigation and his focus on aligning legal strategy with clients’ broader business objectives, including recent matters involving privacy, data, fintech and mass arbitration.

Quoted on his approach to litigation—and the influence of a former mentor—Leventhal explained:

“Even when litigation is contentious and the opposing side is your adversary, he reminded me never to lose sight of the human element—both in how we treat others and in how litigation outcomes impact the people involved.”       

The recognition of Gerchik and Leventhal reflects Glaser Weil’s deep bench of trial‑tested litigators trusted to guide clients through their most consequential disputes.

Learn more about this award (subscription required).