Horvitz & Levy LLP announces that three of its rising stars are arguing high-profile cases before California’s most prestigious courts this month, including two appearances before the California Supreme Court, and one en banc argument before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
Earlier this month, counsel John Sprangers presented argument in the California Supreme Court in In re Spielbauer on Discipline, No. S283172. On June 2, Associate Ben Covington will be arguing in that same court in Mayor v. WCAB, No. S287261. And that same day counsel Rebecca Powell will be appearing before an en banc panel of the Ninth Circuit in King v. Villegas, No. 23-1713.
“It takes a rare combination of intellect, poise, and preparation to present oral argument before the California Supreme Court or an en banc Ninth Circuit panel,” said John Taylor, a Horvitz & Levy partner. “We are incredibly proud of John, Ben, and Rebecca. The firm’s confidence in having them present these arguments reflects not only their individual talent, but the culture we have worked hard to build — one where associates and counsels are trusted with real responsibilities and given the opportunity to develop into exceptional lawyers well before partnership.”
A Firm That Invests in Its Associates
Horvitz & Levy’s philosophy stands apart from the traditional law firm model, where junior attorneys often spend years in supporting roles before stepping before a court. Ben Covington, Rebecca Powell, and John Sprangers are the latest in a distinguished line of Horvitz & Levy associates who have argued at the highest levels. Partners Eric Boorstin, Brad Pauley, Jeremy Rosen, and David Ettinger, and former attorneys Christopher Hu (now a San Francisco Superior Court judge), Joshua McDaniel (now faculty director of Harvard Law School’s Religious Freedom Clinic), and Kim Nguyen (now a Los Angeles Superior Court judge), and Patricia Lofton, also made their mark at the state’s highest court early in their careers while associates at the firm. This approach has produced an impressive track record of high-stakes arguments at the appellate level. Over the past year alone, 13 associates have presented oral arguments in state and federal appellate courts.
About Horvitz & Levy
Horvitz & Levy attorneys are widely recognized among the best appellate advocates in the country. Our firm consistently receives top honors from Chambers and Partners, Best Lawyers in America®, Super Lawyers, and the Daily Journal, among others. Chambers ranks us among the very best appellate firms nationwide, highlighting our representation of high-profile clients across diverse industries. In May 2026, Vault ranked Horvitz & Levy #4 among the Best Midsize Law Firms in Southern California and named the firm to its prestigious Top 150 Under 150 list.
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