C. Matt Alva

Biography

C. Matt Alva is a partner at the firm’s Chicago office. He concentrates his practice in civil litigation, notably in product and premise liability, construction and toxic tort matters. Matt also defends businesses in Commercial Litigation and Business Disputes. At Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP, Matt serves as co-chair of the Diversity Committee and a member of the Recruiting Committee.

Prior to joining Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP, Matt gained extensive experience defending employers in toxic tort, product liability and workers’ compensation matters. Outside of the office, Matt is active in his local community, through the Ravinia Neighbors Association, and enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters.

Practices

Toxic Tort Litigation
Product Liability
Asbestos Litigation
Commercial Litigation and Business Disputes
Class Action Defense

Memberships & Affiliations

  • Chicago Bar Association
  • American Bar Association
  • Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois
  • Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP)
  • Ravinia Neighbors Association

Awards

  • Recipient, Chicago-Kent College of Law Outstanding Young Alumnus Award, 2019
  • Selected for inclusion in Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Stars List, 2019-2021
  • Selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in 2021-2024

Publications

  • Illinois Supreme Court’s Decision May Effect Application of Forum Non Conveniens, ABA Section of Litigation-Products Liability, January 27, 2014

Presentations

  • "The Implications of Autonomous Vehicles," ABA Young Lawyers Teleconference on Autonomous Vehicles, February 23, 2017
  • “Component Part Defendants and the Bare Metal Defense,” American Conference Institute’s 18th National Advanced Forum on Asbestos Claims & Litigation, Chicago, IL January 2015
  • "Product Identification and an Asbestos Deposition,” American Conference Institute’s 17th National Advanced Forum on Asbestos Claims & Litigation, Chicago, IL June 2014

News

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.

May 09, 2023
Alva to Address Premises Claims in Toxic Tort Cases in Illinois Defense Counsel Webinar
Partner C. Matt Alva will present "Defending Premises Claims in Toxic Tort Cases," for the Illinois Defense Counsel on June 8.

October 14, 2022
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Named to Exelon's 2022 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Honor Roll
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP has been recognized by Exelon's 2022 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Honor Roll.

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, January 5, 2022
Four Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Associates Named Partner
Three practice in the Chicago office, while the fourth practices in the St. Louis office.

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 8, 2021
Becker, Alva Successful in Appellate Defense of Commercial Litigation Matter
The Illinois Supreme Court declined to hear the appeal of Smith v. Sterling Bank, letting stand the appellate affirmation of a lower court's dismissal of the plaintiff's claims against Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP's client in a commercial litigation matter.

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, 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, 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, October 11, 2019
Alva Honored With Chicago-Kent's Outstanding Young Alumnus Award
Alva, a 2011 graduate of Chicago-Kent, focuses his practice in defending businesses in product and premise liability matters and commercial disputes. He also co-chairs Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP's Summer Associate Program and its Diversity Committee.

Chicago, May 31, 2019
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Hosts Hispanic Lawyers of Illinois JD Mentoring Event
The program aims to maximize the number of Hispanics applying to law schools and cultivate the academic and professional success of those students.

Chicago, May 29, 2019
Alva Speaks at ABA's Judicial Intern Opportunity Program Orientation
Alva will discuss alumni mentoring and professional development along with two fellow panelists.

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, March 30, 2017
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Hosts Hispanic Lawyers of Illinois JD Mentoring Event
The program aims to maximize the number of Hispanics applying to law schools and cultivate the academic and professional success of those students.

Chicago, February 6, 2017
Alva Speaks at ABA Young Lawyers Teleconference on Autonomous Vehicles
Alva and fellow panelists will discuss "The Implications of Autonomous Vehicles" on Thursday, February 23.

Chicago, October 11, 2016
Alva Leads Hispanic Lawyers' JD Mentor Kickoff Event
Alva co-chairs the JD Mentors Program, which pairs Latino or Latina judges or practicing attorneys with Latino or Latina college and law students with the purpose of creating a mentoring relationship.

Chicago, June 23, 2016
Four Lateral Associates Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP announces four lateral associates have joined the firm's Chicago office.

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