Best and Brightest: Emery Levine

Emery Levine

Attorney

Maynard Nexsen

Columbia

Age 33

I am a corporate attorney at Maynard Nexsen, where I focus on mergers and acquisitions and commercial real estate transactions. I earned my J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law and hold an M.A. in philosophy from American University. Outside of work, I am a mom to two children under 2, with a third on the way, and I cherish every moment I get to spend outdoors with my family. That love of kids and the outdoors is part of why I serve on the board of trustees for Camp Discovery, a nonprofit that connects children to nature through outdoor education programs. My husband, an Army firefighter, inspires me daily with his dedication to service, and his example has shaped how I think about giving back to my community. Looking ahead, my goal is simply to keep showing up — for my clients, my family, and the causes I care about — and to model for my children what it looks like to build a meaningful career while staying rooted in service to others.

Favorite Quote and Why: My favorite quote is, "Don't raise your voice, improve your argument," by Desmond Tutu. As an attorney, I am reminded daily that persuasion is not about who speaks the loudest or pushes the hardest, but about who has taken the time to think most clearly and prepare most thoroughly. This quote also grounds how I try to show up outside the office, whether I am at the negotiating table, on a nonprofit board, or simply having a hard conversation at home. It's a good reminder that conviction and calm are not opposites, and that the strongest position is usually the best-reasoned one, not the loudest one.

Definition of a Successful Leader: To me, a successful leader is someone who builds trust by showing up consistently, listens more than they speak, and helps the people around them grow into their own strengths. In my experience, the most effective leadership I have practiced or observed comes from collaboration, not control. A true leader also knows that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about asking the right questions and creating space for others to find them.

Advice to 18-Year-Old Self: I would tell my 18-year-old self that the winding path is the point, not a detour. You don't need to have it all figured out right now, and it's okay if your path doesn't look like a straight line. Say yes to the unconventional opportunity, trust that the things you love will find their way into the life you build, and don't rush toward one defined outcome just because it feels safer. Keep showing up for the people and causes you care about along the way, because that is where you will grow the most.