Sheila L. Ardalan
Principal, Levato Consulting, Inc.
Chief Executive Officer
Tel: 310-734-2029
Experience
Through Levato Consulting, Inc., Sheila develops and executes the firm’s strategic plan. With an extensive background in real estate transactions and litigation matters Sheila is a trusted advisor and legal services consultant for clients ranging from law firms to start-ups to Fortune 500 companies.
An expert at establishing innovative client-centric systems that cultivate trust, Sheila is celebrated for streamlining legal operations and deepening relationships while possessing deep cultural sensitivities.
Sheila is also an innovative problem-solver with a proven track record of helping turn around businesses through Levato Consulting, Inc. With a keen eye for spotting prospective alliances, Sheila’s knack for cultivating new relationships within businesses and across industries is unsurpassed.
Prior to Levato Consulting, Inc., Sheila was Director of Business Development and Client Services at the law firm of Freeman, Freeman & Smiley, LLP, in Los Angeles, for over a decade. She started her career with the law firm of Hale and Dorr, LLP, in Washington, D.C., where she was a Real Estate Specialist. A frequent guest lecturer and mentor for EMBA and Law students at area universities, she also speaks worldwide at a host of business gatherings and conferences.
While in Washington D.C., she enjoyed rowing on the Potomac River. A trained classical dressage rider, Sheila was a founding member of a horsemanship training company in Los Angeles, where she is an avid yogi and enjoys hiking the canyons around LA.
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Credentials
Education
B.A., The Ohio State University, 1993
International Relations & Diplomacy
Recent Speaking Engagements
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Blaney McMurtry LLP: Breaking Glass Ceilings – Toronto, Canada
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ACC: (EMEA): Effectively Managing and Hiring Outside Counsel
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ACC: (APAC): Effectively Managing and Hiring Outside Counsel
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The Roundtable: A leadership development program for managing partners and law firm leaders – Nashville, TN
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Southwestern Law School – Los Angeles, CA
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LMA Annual Conference – Las Vegas, Nevada
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Women Leaders Forum – Los Angeles, CA
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Loyola Marymount University Executive MBA – Los Angeles, CA
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Marketing Leader Roundtable – Washington, DC
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Women’s Breakfast Series – Beverly Hills, CA
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LSSO Conference – Chicago, Illinois
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Next Generation Commerce Event Keynote – Beverly Hills, CA
Board Memberships
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Advisory Board Member, Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission
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Deputy, California Business Roundtable
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Advisory Board Member - GO Campaign
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Testimonials
“Sheila brings a rare combination of understanding the legal business, political and strategic aspects of all issues to forge a solution that works for all involved. She finds a way to connect the dots and people through a unique prism that only she sees. In the end, you will want to work with Sheila as she helps you drive the results you not only need, but you desire.”
– James M. Rishwain, Jr., Chair Emeritus of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
“Sheila is a great asset to our organization, the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission. Our mission is to seek, host, promote and retain major sports and entertainment events that bring business to Los Angeles. We rely on our board members to connect us to promotional partners and sponsors throughout the business community, to support the events we are attracting. Sheila has been tremendous in providing these key introductions that help us continue to be successful in this mission.”
– Kathryn Schloessman, President of Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission
“Thank you for putting your clients’ needs first. When I called you with a case, you referred me to another firm who specialized in my specific need. You always see the big picture and understand the importance of a long-term and trusting relationship. I always know I’ll be represented with the utmost competence, efficacy, and efficiency. Thanks for having my back!”– Darren Ross, Chief Operating Officer of Magic Castle Hotel
“Sheila is a force to be reckoned with. She has tremendous experience in litigation evaluation and triage.”
– Daniel G. Murphy, Chair of Litigation of Loeb & Loeb LLP
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