Timothy G. Nickels

Biography

Timothy G. Nickels is a senior partner at Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP and served as managing partner for 16 years, stepping down at the end of 2021. Tim’s practice focuses on the defense of physicians and other health care providers in medical negligence cases. He has successfully tried cases in federal, state, and municipal courts throughout Illinois and has written and argued appeals in the Seventh Circuit and Illinois Appellate courts. Tim was named the 2023 "Lawyer of the Year" by The Best Lawyers in America for Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants in Chicago. He also represents various professionals in administrative and disaplinary proceedings before the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. 

In addition to medical malpractice, Tim handles complex business and commercial litigation matters. Tim has been a frequent speaker at professional organizations, associations and societies on the topic of risk management from the perspective of a defense attorney.

Practices

Medical Negligence and Healthcare
Commercial Litigation and Business Disputes
Product Liability
Toxic Tort Litigation
General Trial Practice
Professional Licensing

Memberships & Affiliations

  • Notre Dame Law Association Board of Directors
    • Board Member, 2010-Present
    • President, 2015-2017
  • Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Foundation
    • Board Member, 2001-2007
    • President, 2005-2007
    • Advisory Board Member, 2017-Present
  • Chicago Bar Association
    • Board of Managers, Nominating, Strategic Planning and Judicial Evaluation Committee-Chair
  • DuPage County Bar Association
  • Illinois State Bar Association
  • American Bar Association
    • Member, Sections of Litigation and Tort and Insurance Practice
  • Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel
  • Catholic Diocese of Joliet, Illinois
    • Deacon—Notre Dame Catholic Church, Clarendon Hills, Illinois

Awards

    • Named 2023 "Lawyer of the Year" by The Best Lawyers in America for Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants, Chicago
    • Selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America®, 2019-2024
    • Selected for inclusion in Illinois Super Lawyers, 2021
    • Selected for inclusion in Illinois Leading Lawyers, 2020-2021

Publications

  • Co-Author, with D.R. Carlson and R.J. Street, A Model Antitrust Policy for College and Universities, Journal of Student Financial Aid, Vol. 22, No. 1 (Winter 1992)

News

Chicago, December 18, 2023
Nickels and Griffin Secure Defense Verdict In High Stakes Medical Malpractice Case
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys Timothy G. Nickels and Christopher Griffin obtained a defense verdict on behalf of their client, a recently retired radiologist, in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois before Judge Melissa Durkin.

Chicago, November 09, 2023
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Sponsors 73rd Annual Hellenic Bar Association Scholarship Ball
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP is proud to sponsor the Hellenic Bar Association's 73rd Annual Scholarship Ball on November 18 in Rosemont, Illinois.

October 18, 2023
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Partners Sponsor American Heart Association's Counsel for a Cause
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Partners John P. Arranz, Ross W. Bartolotta, Steven E. Danekas, Michael W. Drumke, P. Stephen Fardy, George F. Fitzpatrick, Jr., McRay Judge, Timothy G. Nickels, John J. O'Sullivan, David F. Pardys, Gary C. Pinter, T. Allon Renfro, Kristine C. Reveille, Christopher T. Sheean, Robert W. Stephens and Marcie J. Vantine are proud sponsors of the American Heart Association’s (AHA) 8th Annual Chicago Counsel for a Cause event on October 19.

Chicago, Lisle, Libertyville, St. Louis, Madison County, August 17, 2023
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named to 2024 Best Lawyers, Ones to Watch Lists
Fifty-five Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys were named to the 2024 Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™ lists.

March 21, 2023
Nickels, Lynch and Fahrenbach Obtain Defense Verdict in High-Stakes Medical Negligence Case
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys Timothy G. Nickels, Marie K. Lynch and Katherine R. Fahrenbach obtained a defense verdict at trial on behalf of their client, an anesthesiologist, in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois.

November 16, 2022
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Receives Not Guilty Verdict in Medical Malpractice Defense Case
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys Timothy G. Nickels and Shannon E. Buckley obtained a defense verdict at trial on behalf of their client, a radiology group, in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois.

August 18, 2022
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named to 2023 Best Lawyers, Ones to Watch Lists
Thirty-nine Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys were named to the 2023 Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™ lists.

Chicago, Lisle, Libertyville, St. Louis, Madison County, Indiana, August 19, 2021
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named to 2022 Best Lawyers, Ones to Watch Lists
Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review.

Chicago, March 9, 2021
Nickels Discusses Medical Negligence Trial Topics at ISBA Panel
Nickels and fellow panelists will discuss issues that attendees should be aware of in upcoming medical negligence trials.

Chicago, February 2, 2021
Illinois Super Lawyers Recognizes 25 Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP announces that 12 attorneys have been named n to the 2021 Illinois Super Lawyers list and 13 have been named to the Illinois Rising Stars list.

Chicago, Lisle, Libertyville, Madison County, January 11, 2021
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named Leading Lawyers, Emerging Lawyers for 2021
Those designated Leading Lawyers were recommended by their peers to be among the top lawyers in Illinois.

Chicago, Lisle, St. Louis, Madison County, August 20, 2020
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named to 2021 Best Lawyers, Ones to Watch Lists
Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review.

Chicago, Lisle, Libertyville, Madison County, February 3, 2020
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named Leading Lawyers, Emerging Lawyers for 2020
Those designated Leading Lawyers were recommended by their peers to be among the top lawyers in Illinois.

Chicago, August 15, 2019
Seven Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named to 2020 Best Lawyers List
Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review.

Chicago, April 10, 2019
Law360 Profiles New Lateral Partner Will Greubel
"What I was looking to do was just continue to grow my practice in the area of professional negligence and other related areas like medical device litigation and also to learn from a new group of people and be at a bigger firm with more options and resources available," Greubel said.

Chicago, January 16, 2019
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named Leading Lawyers, Emerging Lawyers for 2019
Those designated Leading Lawyers were recommend by their peers to be among the top lawyers in Illinois.

Chicago, September 7, 2018
Law360 Profiles Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP for 2018 Illinois Regional Powerhouse Series
According to the article, "Swanson's attorneys have flexed their muscles in several Illinois courtrooms this year, helping to fend off more than $100 million in claimed damages in several suits rooted in the firm's more institutional areas of practice."

Chicago, September 12, 2018
Daniel G. Wills, 1959 – 2018
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP announces with much sadness the death of equity partner Daniel G. Wills. Wills, a partner in the firm's Chicago office, passed away suddenly last week at the age of 59.

Chicago, August 15, 2018
Five Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named to 2019 Best Lawyers List
Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review.

Chicago, St. Louis, February 20, 2018
Illinois Supreme Court Recognizes Wahl, Attorneys for Participation in Mentoring Program
Run by the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, the Lawyer-to-Lawyer Mentoring Program creates opportunities for experienced lawyers to provide professional guidance with lawyers in their early years of practice.

January 26, 2018
Illinois Super Lawyers Recognizes 35 Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP is proud to have 20 Super Lawyers and 14 Rising Stars among its attorneys.

January 23, 2018
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named Leading Lawyers, Emerging Lawyers for 2018
Those designated Leading Lawyers were recommend by their peers to be among the top lawyers in Illinois.

October 30, 2017
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin Highlights New Indiana Office, 25th Anniversary
The article quotes partners Brian W. Bell and Timothy G. Nickels, and speaks of the firm's long history in Indiana.

October 6, 2017
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Opens Indiana Office
The trial firm, which celebrates 25 years in business in 2017, already boasts more than 130 attorneys between its downtown Chicago headquarters and its other offices in Illinois and Missouri.

October 2, 2017
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Celebrates 25th Anniversary, Continued Growth
In recognition of its 25th anniversary year, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP has made a monthly donation to a non-profit with whom the firm has a strong relationship.

August 28, 2017
Thumbuddy Special Receives 25th Anniversary Donation
Thumbuddy Special provides adaptive equipment, such as bicycles, vans and wheelchairs, for children with special needs.

January 16, 2017
Illinois Super Lawyers Recognizes 38 Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP announces that 38 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2017 Illinois Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

May 5, 2016
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named to Leading Lawyers, Emerging Lawyers List
Thirty-six Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys were named Leading Lawyers or Emerging Lawyers.

January 13, 2016
Illinois Super Lawyers Recognizes 39 Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP announces that 39 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2015 Illinois Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

January 8, 2016
Nickels Hosts Presentation for Notre Dame Law Students
Almost 50 Notre Dame Law School students came to Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP's Chicago office to learn about various types of law practiced by fellow alumni.

June 10, 2015
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Named Newcomer to NLJ 350
The National Law Journal spoke with Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Managing Partner Timothy G. Nickels about the firm's growth.

January 12, 2015
Illinois Super Lawyers Recognizes 39 Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP announces that 39 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2015 Illinois Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

November 19, 2014
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Obtains Four Not Guilty Verdicts in 11 Days
In a span of 11 days, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys obtained four not guilty verdicts at trial on behalf of clients.

September 24, 2014
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin Highlights Merger with Kernell Law Firm
Swanson, Martin & Bell now has nearly 120 attorneys in five offices, including offices in Chicago, Lisle and Libertyville.

September 23, 2014
Kernell Law Firm Attorneys Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP, SMB Opens St. Louis and Madison County Offices
"We believe our new St. Louis and Madison County offices will provide the same excellent service that clients have come to expect from Tom Kernell and his team," said Managing Partner Timothy G. Nickels.

June 27, 2014
Nickels Spotlighted in "Law Firm Leaders" Article
Nickels talked about the firm's recent growth, focus on business development, and entrepreneurial culture.

April 21, 2014
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Supports Investing in Justice Campaign
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP was one of nearly 150 area law firms, corporate legal departments and law-related organizations to be involved in 2014.

January 13, 2014
Illinois Super Lawyers Recognizes 39 Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP announces that 39 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2014 Illinois Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

July 17, 2013
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Law360 Highlight New Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys
The Law Bulletin article quotes new Partners David A. Kanter and Robert R. McNamara, as well as Managing Partner Timothy G. Nickels.

May 13, 2013
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Support Investing in Justice Campaign
For the fourth consecutive year, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP participated in the Chicago Bar Foundation’s Investing in Justice Campaign, which raises funds for pro bono and legal aid services in the Chicago area.

January 3, 2013
Illinois Super Lawyers Recognizes 39 Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP announces that 39 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2013 Illinois Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

November 8, 2012
Helms Receives Jury Verdict Reporter Trial Lawyer Excellence Award For Career Achievement
Judges, trial attorneys and many of Helms' colleagues from Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attended the ceremony and reception.

October 3, 2012
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys, Guests Go “Retro” For Thumbuddy Special
Bazooka® gum, Pixy Stix®, Sweet Tarts® and Zotz® were all the rage at Tavern Tree House as Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP’s Medical Negligence and Healthcare Practice Group and its guests gathered in support of Thumbuddy Special.

February 17, 2012
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin Profiles Wehrman, New CARA President
The former Olympic marathon trials qualifier just began a two-year term as President of the CARA Board of Directors.

February 1, 2012
Wehrman, Former Olympic Trials Marathon Competitor, Elected CARA President
A non-profit organization with nearly 9,000 members, CARA is devoted to motivating and supporting the Chicagoland running community through training programs, educational seminars and opportunities to interact with fellow runners.

January 3, 2012
Illinois Super Lawyers Recognizes 34 Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP announces that 23 of its attorneys were recognized as Illinois Super Lawyers, while 11 others were recognized as Rising Stars.

November 11, 2011
Swanson Receives Jury Verdict Reporter Trial Lawyer Excellence Award For Lifetime Achievement
Lenard C. Swanson was honored for his body of trial work and longtime mentoring of fellow attorneys.

October 19, 2011
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys and Guests “Glow” For Thumbuddy Special
For the third consecutive year, guests of Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP’s Medical Negligence and Healthcare Practice Group gathered in support of Thumbuddy Special.

July 22, 2011
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorney Receives Patriotic Employer Award
Managing Partner Timothy G. Nickels honored with Patriotic Employer Award.

October 18, 2010
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin Features Article on SMB Event
The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin's October 6th issue featured the article, "Chicago law firm pitches in to help children with special needs," regarding Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP's recent cocktail party fundraiser for Thumbuddy Special.

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