News & Events

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.

Wills practiced at Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP since 2006, concentrating his practice on insurance coverage litigation, transportation law, and appeals. Wills zealously represented his clients in nearly 100 appeals. He represented insurers in Kunkle v. Walton, the first test case of Illinois tort reform legislation, and the plaintiff in Home Ins. Co. v. Cincinnati Ins. Co., a seminal insurance coverage case, both before the Illinois Supreme Court.

Known for his writing talent, Wills regularly offered internal training sessions in legal writing to Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP associate attorneys. He was also an adjunct professor of appellate advocacy at The John Marshall Law School for the last 10 years.

A Chicago resident, Wills was born in Chicago in 1959. He attended DePaul University for college and law school, receiving his B.S. in 1984 and his J.D. in 1990. Prior to joining Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP, Wills was a partner at the law firm of Pretzel & Stouffer, Chartered.

“Dan was a gifted lawyer and a hard-working, loyal partner,” said Timothy G. Nickels, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP managing partner. “Most importantly, he was a great father and true friend to many at our firm. We are deeply saddened by our loss of Dan and will miss him very much.”

Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP extends its thoughts, prayers and support to daughter Katherine, as well as many extended family members. Visitation will be Wednesday, September 12th from 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Glueckert Funeral Home Ltd. in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Visitation Thursday, September 13th will be from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service at First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights. Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Make-A-Wish Foundation at wish.org.

To read an article on Wills from the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, please visit this link. 

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