Biography

Kristen is a trial attorney in Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP’s Chicago office. Kristen’s practice is focused on product liability litigation with an emphasis on asbestos and automotive product liability matters. She also defends railroads in FELA litigation and crossing litigation.

Prior to joining Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP, Kristen’s practice was focused on the defense of Fortune 500 companies in complex multidistrict product liability, pharmaceutical, and drug and device litigation. Kristen has obtained favorable results in all phases of litigation, from pre-suit disputes through trial and appeal. Kristen regularly practices in state and federal courts throughout Illinois, Kansas and Missouri.

Practices

Asbestos Litigation
Product Liability
General Trial Practice

Memberships & Affiliations

• Defense Research Institute
• National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel
• Women’s Bar Association of Illinois

Awards

• Selected for inclusion in Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Stars List, 2012-2013; 2015-2020
• Selected for inclusion in Missouri and Kansas Super Lawyers Rising Stars List, 2012-2013

Clerkships

• Law Clerk to the Honorable Patricia Breckenridge, Missouri Court of Appeals Western District, August 2006-January 2007
• Law Clerk to the Honorable Ronald R. Holliger, Missouri Court of Appeals Western District, February 2006-August 2006

Publications

• Contributing Author, “Railroad — FELA, Safety Appliance Act, Locomotive Inspection Act, Etc.,” IICLE's Tort Action 2022 Edition Handbook

News

October 10, 2022
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Contribute to IICLE's Tort Action 2022 Edition Handbook
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Partners A. Jay Koehler, Kristin Cooke, and Associate Madison Shepley have contributed to the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education's Tort Actions 2022 Edition handbook.

Chicago, January 30, 2020
Illinois Super Lawyers Recognizes 25 Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP announces that 12 attorneys were named to the 2020 Illinois Super Lawyers list and another 13 were named to the 2020 Illinois Rising Stars list.

Chicago, January 29, 2020
Seven Associates Named Partner at Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP
Seven associates based in the Chicago office have been named partner.

Chicago, Libertyville, St. Louis, January 28, 2019
Illinois Super Lawyers Recognizes 29 Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP is proud to have 14 Super Lawyers and 15 Rising Stars in 2019.

Chicago, Libertyville, Madison County, 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.

Chicago, 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.

Chicago, 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.

Chicago, 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.