Harvey Levin

Harvey Robert Levin (born September 2, 1950) is an American television producer, lawyer, legal analyst, and celebrity reporter. He is the founder of celebrity news website TMZ.

Early life and education

Levin was born September 2, 1950, in Los Angeles County, California. He attended high school at Grover Cleveland High School in Reseda, Los Angeles and graduated in 1968. Levin matriculated to the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he graduated with a B.A. in political science in 1972. He later attended the University of Chicago Law School and graduated with a J.D. in 1975.

Career

Early law career and academia

Levin was an active attorney in the state of California from December 18, 1975, until January 1, 1996. In the mid-70s, Levin taught law at the University of Miami School of Law under Soia Mentschikoff. He briefly practiced in Los Angeles before returning to teach at Whittier College School of Law.

The introduction and debate surrounding California Proposition 13 in 1978 pushed Levin into the public's eye following his performances in a number of public debates. With his new found fame, he started to contribute legal advice on a radio show where he was nicknamed "Doctor Law", as well as write columns for the Los Angeles Times. His columnist career with the Times spanned seven years.