Product Liability

Product Liability

The firm has earned its national reputation as a premier product liability firm by winning jury trials. Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP lawyers have tried catastrophic injury cases to verdict in many jurisdictions across the country, involving a wide variety of products including automobiles, asbestos, chemicals, industrial equipment, firearms, lift trucks, medical devices, pharmaceuticals and power tools. Many of the world’s largest corporations retain Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP in matters related to product liability. The Circuit Court of Cook County can be a challenging forum for product liability defendants. The lawyers at Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP practice in the Richard J. Daley Center every day. Because the firm has an active trial practice, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP lawyers are well respected by the local bench and bar.
 
Years of experience in product liability litigation have given Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP lawyers the knowledge to assist their clients in loss prevention and risk management. The firm’s lawyers have assisted clients with recalls, warnings, operator manuals, liability audits, safety reviews, and punitive damage exposure.

The firm has served as regional and national counsel for manufacturers of products that are involved in recurrent litigation. In this role, the firm assists management in coordinating discovery, developing a well-founded defense strategy, interacting with insurance carriers, and controlling risks that can threaten the viability of a business.

Proof of Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP’s success is best demonstrated by its list of jury trial verdicts and the following clients who have retained the firm’s services. 
  • Abbott Laboratories
  • Airbus, S.A.S.
  • Allianz Insurance Company
  • Altec Industries, Inc.
  • Asea Brown Boveri Ltd. (“ABB”)
  • BASF Aktiengesellschaft
  • BL-Pegson Ltd.
  • Chrysler Group LLC
  • Cincinnati Incorporated
  • Clark Material Handling Company
  • The Clorox Company
  • Crosman Corporation
  • Electric Insurance Company
  • Exelon Corporation
  • FMC Corporation
  • G&W Electric Company, Inc.
  • Gamo Outdoor USA, Inc.
  • General Casualty Company
  • General Electric Corporation
  • Genie Industries, Inc.
  • GTE Corporation
  • Koehring Cranes, Inc. 
  • Komatsu America Corp.
  • Linde Material Handling North America
  • Marlin Firearms
  • McKesson Corporation
  • Mylan Laboratories, Inc.
  • Newell Rubbermaid, Inc.
  • Nissan Motor Company, Ltd.
  • Raymond Corporation
  • Remington Arms Company, Inc.
  • Schaeff, Inc.
  • Sears, Roebuck and Co.
  • Smith & Nephew, Inc.
  • Subaru of America, Inc.
  • Taylor Machine Works, Inc.
  • Terex Corporation
  • Textron, Inc.
  • Tokio Marine & Fire Insurance Company Ltd.
  • Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc.
  • Toyota Motor North America, Inc.
  • Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
  • Universal-Automatic Corporation
  • World Kitchen, LLC
 



News

February 26, 2024
Drumke to Speak at the 2024 ABA Motor Vehicle Product Liability Litigation Conference
Partner Michael Drumke will moderate a panel at the 32nd Annual Motor Vehicle Product Liability Litigation Conference, hosted by the American Bar Association (ABA) Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, on April 11 in Scottsdale, AZ.

February 21, 2024
Hogan to Present at 2024 DRI Trucking Law Seminar
Partner Meg F. Hogan will present, "Anchors Away! Beating Plaintiffs at Their Own Game," at the 2024 DRI Trucking Law Seminar on April 11 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Chicago, St. Louis, December 27, 2023
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Names Three New Partners
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP is pleased to announce Stuart R. Sergeant, Eric J. Skwiat, and Clement D. Warr, Jr. have been elevated to partner, effective January 1, 2024.

Kansas City, November 06, 2023
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Welcomes New Associate
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP welcomes new associate, Anthony C. Badami, to the firm.

Chicago, St. Louis, November 02, 2023
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Recognized in 2024 Best Law Firms Rankings
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP is thrilled to announce its inclusion in the 14th Edition of Best Law Firms® ranked by Best Lawyers for 2024.

October 02, 2023
Drumke Named ABA/TIPS James K. Carroll Leadership Award Recipient
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Partner Michael W. Drumke has been named the recipient of the James K. Carroll Leadership Award by the Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section (TIPS) of the American Bar Association.

September 25, 2023
McCaskey, Barry and Burton Author Automatic Emergency Braking Article for the ABA
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys Michael A. McCaskey, Caitlin M. Barry, and 2023 Summer Associate Tripp Burton are featured on the cover of the Trial Tort and Insurance Practice Section (TIPS) Products Liability Committee Newsletter of the American Bar Association (ABA).

Chicago, September 13, 2023
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Welcomes Two Lateral Associates
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP welcomes two lateral associates to its Chicago office.


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St. Louis, September 07, 2023
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Welcomes New Associate
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP welcomes a new associate to its St. Louis office.

Chicago, September 05, 2023
McCaskey Serves as Mentor for Product Liability Advisory Council's 2023 Mock Trial Program
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Partner Mike McCaskey served as a mentor to future leaders for the Product Liability Advisory Council's (PLAC) mock trial program in Cleveland, Ohio.

Chicago, September 05, 2023
Barry Appointed to DRI's Young Lawyers Steering Committee
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP associate Caitlin M. Barry has been appointed to the Defense Research Institute's (DRI) Young Lawyers Steering Committee for the 2023-2024 term.

Chicago, August 29, 2023
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Welcomes Two Associates
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP welcomes two associates to its Chicago office: Caroline A. Keig and Michael J. Weinstein.

Chicago, August 28, 2023
Two Associates Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP welcomes two associates, Karen V. Ramírez-Holt and Joshua R. Hubbs, to its Chicago office.

August 24, 2023
McCaskey Speaks at 2023 DRI Strictly Automotive Seminar
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Partner Michael A. McCaskey presented "Defending Optional Equipment Decisions in Heavy Duty Trucks," at DRI's 2023 Strictly Automotive Seminar on August 18 in Washington, D.C.

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.

June 15, 2023
Kawala Named 2023 BTI Client Service All-Star MVP
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP partner David E. Kawala has been named to The BTI Consulting Group's 2023 Client Service All-Stars.

April 03, 2023
Monaco and Henne to Present at 2023 AEM Product Safety & Compliance and Product Liability Seminar
Partners Anthony J. Monaco and Brett M. Henne will present at the 2023 Product Safety & Compliance and Product Liability Seminar, hosted by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), on April 24-27 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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, December 9, 2021
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Welcomes Lateral Associate, New Law School Graduates
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP announces that one lateral attorney and four new law graduates have joined the firm's Chicago office as associates.

Chicago, St. Louis, November 9, 2021
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Welcomes Four Lateral Associates
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP announces that four attorneys have joined the firm as associates.

November 4, 2021
Best Lawyers Names Mass Tort Litigation, Environmental, Product Liability Practices to Annual List
Published by U.S. News and World Report and Best Lawyers, the firm once again received a National Tier 1 ranking for Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants, as well as a National Tier 3 ranking for Litigation – Environmental.

October 28, 2021
BTI Names Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP One of Best Firms in Product Liability Litigation
The firm was recognized as a Leader in product liability litigation, which BTI describes as "one of the most competitive segments of litigation and clients see a broad swath of law firms vying for this week."

September 7, 2021
Fitzgerald Named One Of Crain's Chicago Business' Notable Rising Stars in Law
Fitzgerald is one of 74 Chicago attorneys selected for this honor, which recognizes attorneys who have been partners for five years or less and have demonstrated an impact at their firm and in the community.

September 3, 2021
Lothson Named to Law Bulletin Media's 40 Under Forty List
According to Lothson's profile, ""Andy has natural instincts beyond his years and is an exceptionally bright and creative attorney."

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.

August 16, 2021
Monaco, McCaskey Speak at DRI Product Liability Conference
Their presentation, "Lessons from Trial: Trying a $250 Million Product Liability Case in Cook County," focuses on a high-stakes defense trial verdict they received in July 2019.

August 12, 2021
Clyder, Switzer Persuade Eighth Circuit to Exclude Expert Witness
Injured while using a hand-held spiral saw, the plaintiff alleged in a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri that the saw was defective because its handle spontaneously detached from its body.

August 10, 2021
Five Associates Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP
They will all practice in the firm's Chicago office.

July 6, 2021
Weiler Receives Law Bulletin Media's Top 50 Women in Law Honor
Weiler is one of 50 honorees chosen for her work to mentor and promote other women in the profession, her success in the legal community and being a shining example of leadership.

May 21, 2021
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Obtains Defense Verdict In High-Stakes In-Person Jury Trial
In one of the first in-person civil litigation jury trials in Lake County since the COVID-19 pandemic, the plaintiff asked the jury for nearly $15 million in lost wages, past and future pain and suffering and disfigurement.

May 4, 2021
McCaskey Re-Elected to Non-Resident Lawyer Division Board of Directors for State Bar of Wisconsin
The Nonresident Lawyers Division helps nonresident members maintain their ties with Wisconsin.

April 27, 2021
Drumke Speaks on Trial Masters Panel for ABA TIPS Conference
A longtime active ABA member, Drumke is a current chair of the Cannabis Law and Policy Committee, member of the ABA House of Delegates and governor to the Board of Governors.

April 14, 2021
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Sponsors ACC St. Louis Litigation Seminar on Post-Pandemic Litigation
The panel will offer thoughts on how litigators will see their workday change or return to pre-pandemic practices, as well as ways courts will be affected and what new challenges litigators may face.

March 24, 2021
Monaco Speaks at CBA Seminar on Litigating During COVID-19
Monaco will be among a panel of experienced litigators providing insight into how medical malpractice, work accident, and mass torts cases have been litigated in the age of COVID.

February 19, 2021
Recent Law School Graduates Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP
The four newly sworn in lawyers joined the firm's Chicago office as associates.

February 12, 2021
Monaco Moderates Webinar on Engineering Controls and Spread of COVID-19

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.

January 18, 2021
Three Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named Partner
Jessica Levitt Acuna, Jack A. Gould and Jonna McGinley Reilly have all been named partner.

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.

December 22, 2020
Weiler Quoted in Law360 on Biggest Illinois Decisions of 2020
Weiler suggested Nichole Hamby et al. v. Bayer Corp. et al., a Supreme Court of the State of Illinois jurisdictional ruling which found the non-resident plaintiffs had identified "no jurisdictionally relevant links" between their claims over the device and Illinois, reversing circuit and intermediate appellate courts that had allowed the claims to go forward.

November 5, 2020
Best Lawyers Names Mass Tort Litigation, Personal Injury, Product Liability Practices to Annual List
Published by U.S. News and World Report and Best Lawyers, the firm once again received a National Tier 1 ranking for Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants.

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.

August 5, 2020
Shepley Authors Article in DRI Product Liability Newsletter
The Strictly Speaking article is titled, "Cruising into the Future or a Crash Waiting to Happen? Biometrics and the Connected Car."

July 16, 2020
Three Associates Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP announces that three attorneys have joined the firm's Chicago office as associates.

March 06, 2020
O'Toole Authors Article on Millennial Lawyers and Technological Competence in DRI Young Lawyers Newsletter
The article appears in the latest issue of "Raising the Bar," newsletter of DRI's Young Lawyers Committee.

March 4, 2020
Drumke Quoted in Business Insider on Law Firm Cannabis Clients
Complex legal questions have increased as the cannabis industry as ballooned into a $56 billion market.

February 27, 2020
Law360 Profiles New Lateral Partner John Duffy
Duffy shared with Law360 that he "is excited for the bigger footprint that his new firm would provide..." and "emphasized Swanson Martin's 'national reputation of trying cases, including difficult ones involving product manufacturers or professionals.'"

February 20, 2020
Legal Malpractice and Product Liability Partner Joins Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP
Duffy's practice focuses on the defense of attorneys and law firms accused of malpractice or accused of ethical violations.

January 31, 2020
Monaco Inducted Into Society of Trial Lawyers
Monaco focuses his practice on Product Liability, Class Action Defense, and Commercial Litigation and Business Disputes.

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

January 23, 2020
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Supports King of Hearts Gala
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP is a corporate partner of Christ the King, a Catholic Jesuit secondary school in Chicago's Austin neighborhood using the Cristo Rey model to serve young men and women.

January 13, 2020
McCaskey, Clyder Serve as Faculty for DRI Product Liability Conference
Both McCaskey and Clyder have leadership roles with Product Liability specialized litigation groups.

January 2, 2020
Recent Law School Graduates Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP announces that five recent law school graduates have joined the firm's Chicago office as associates.

November 14, 2019
Sheean, Keating Author Article in DRI's For The Defense Publication
Sheean and Keating's article is titled, "Adiós "Alter Ego"; Corporate Veil Piercing in the Product Liability Suit."

November 01, 2019
Best Lawyers Names Mass Tort Litigation, Personal Injury, Product Liability Practices to Annual List
The firm received a National Tier 1 ranking for Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants.

October 28, 2019
Law360 Interviews Drumke for "Cannabis Corner" Article
Drumke became the first chair of the American Bar Association's Cannabis Law and Policy Committee this summer and co-chaired the ABA's first ever nationwide program devoted entirely to teaching attorneys about marijuana and hemp law,

September 25, 2019
Clyder Named to Law Bulletin Media's "40 Under Forty" List
According to Clyder's profile, he "has a superior command of the technical issues that often determine outcomes in product liability cases."

September 16, 2019
Seven Lateral Associates Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP welcomes seven lateral associates, including one in the firm's St. Louis office.

September 16, 2019
Law.com's Higher Law Quotes Drumke, Highlights Upcoming ABA Cannabis Law Conference
"From Regs to Riches: Navigating the Rapidly Emerging Fields of Cannabis and Hemp Law" is hosted by the ABA's Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section this Thursday and Friday in Chicago.

September 3, 2019
McCaskey Serves as Program Co-Vice Chair at DRI Automotive Seminar
McCaskey's practice includes advising clients in product liability, construction, insurance, banking and commercial disputes and class action matters.

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.

August 14, 2019
Drumke Elected to ABA Board of Governors
The ABA Board of Governors oversees the general operation of the ABA and develops specific plans of action.

July 17, 2019
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Obtain Defense Verdict in High-Stakes Product Liability Case
The plaintiff asked the jury for between $38 million and $48 million in compensatory damages, and as much as $200 million in punitive damages for a total of over $248 million.

July 9, 2019
Monaco Moderates Automotive Manufacturers In-House Counsel Panel
Monaco will lead a discussion with attorneys from Toyota, General Motors, Volkswagen and Nissan on their day-to-day litigation management challenges as well as what keeps them up at night.

May 31, 2019
Crain's Chicago Business Names Five Attorneys to Notable Gen X Leaders in Law list
John P. Arranz, Patricia S. Kocour, A. Jay Koehler, Aiju C. Thevatheril and Catherine Basque Weiler were among 121 lawyers in Chicago listed.

April 18, 2019
Drumke Presents with Trial Masters, Moderates Cannabis Law Session at ABA TIPS Conference
Drumke will be part of a trial masters program, followed by moderating a panel on current issues in cannabis law and policy.

March 28, 2019
Kawala, O'Sullivan Named BTI Client Service All-Stars
Kawala and O'Sullivan were two of 335 individual attorneys from 153 law firms nominated to the BTI Client Service All-Stars 2019.

February 1, 2019
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Names Six New Partners
Andrew J. Albright, Joshua E. Bidzinski, Sarah A. Ferrill, Erica S. Longfield, Kristine C. Reveille and Stephanie Rifkind have all been promoted to partner.

January 29, 2019
Drumke Nominated to ABA Board of Governors
Drumke's three-year term will commence following the conclusion of the ABA Annual Meeting in August.

December 13, 2018
Drumke Authors ABA Article on Cannabis Legal and Business Issues
The article appears in the TortSource, a publication of the ABA's Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section (TIPS). The Fall 2018 issue focuses on cannabis.

December 5, 2018
Report Names Illinois, Missouri Courts as "Judicial Hellholes"
Courts in Missouri and Illinois listed among the top nine.

November 1, 2018
Best Lawyers Names Mass Tort Litigation, Personal Injury, Product Liability Practices to Annual List
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP received the firm a National Tier 2 ranking for Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants.

October 19, 2018
BTI Consulting Names Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP A Standout in Commercial Litigation
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP was one of nine law firms singled out in Commercial Litigation and one of seven named a Commercial Litigation Standout.

September 20, 2018
Haddox Profiled for Law Bulletin Media's "Forty Under 40" List
According to Haddox's profile, he "has earned a reputation as one of the top young product liability and construction litigation defense lawyers in the city."

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."

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.

July 18, 2018
McCaskey Speaks on Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities for the Self-Driving Car
The presentation is part of ACI's Automotive Product Liability Litigation Conference in Chicago.

July 3, 2018
McCaskey Elected to Board of Governors for State Bar of Wisconsin
The Board of Governors manages and directs the affairs and activities of the State Bar of Wisconsin.

June 29, 2018
Seven Lateral Associates Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP
Six join the firm's Chicago office, while one will practice the firm's Lisle office.

June 11, 2018
Haddox Named to Law Bulletin Media's "40 Under Forty" List
Haddox was recognized for his work in Contract Disputes, Construction Litigation and Product Liability matters.

May 28, 2018
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin Highlights Summary Judgment Ruling in Alleged BIPA Violation
The article focused on the recent summary judgment that Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP clients were awarded in a proposed class-action regarding the alleged violation of Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA).

February 5, 2018
Lateral Associates, Law School Graduates Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP welcomes four lateral associates and two recent law school graduates to the firm.

January 11, 2018
Sheean Speaks at DRI Product Liability Conference
Sheean will address "Assault on Crossbows: Tales from the Front Lines in Defense of Shooting Sports."

January 5, 2018
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Names Four New Partners
All four attorneys practice at the firm's Chicago office.

November 10, 2017
Lateral Partner, Lateral Associate Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP
Patrick G. Cooke joins the Chicago office, while Jordan C. Olejniczak joins the Lisle office.

November 8, 2017
McCaskey Named to Law Bulletin's "40 Under Forty" List
According to "40 Under Forty," to be named to the list, honorees must have intelligence, passion, success in the office, a desire to help the community, and a willingness to work hard.

November 1, 2017
Best Lawyers Recognizes Mass Tort Litigation, Personal Injury, Product Liability Practices
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP received the firm a National Tier 2 ranking for Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants.

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 23, 2017
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named to 2018 Best Lawyers List
Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review.

August 16, 2017
McCaskey Moderates Panel at DRI Strictly Automotive Seminar
McCaskey lead will lead two panelists in a discussion on "Exhuming the Deceased and Advanced Investigative Techniques for Millennials."

July 28, 2017
Above the Law Names Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP to The Loop Elite, "Best Firm to Defend Your Product Liability Lawsuit"
According to the list, "Not only are the SMB attorneys courtroom veterans, they also have a strong track record advising the legal and financial departments of Fortune 500 companies on cutting edge budgetary strategies involved in product liability defense."

June 19, 2017
Monaco Moderates Judges' Panel at ACI Automotive Product Liability Litigation Conference
Monaco's panel offered "A View From The Bench," with judges from around the country answering questions about automotive product liability litigation.

June 6, 2017
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Grows St. Louis, Madison County Offices With Lateral Additions
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP welcomes four lateral attorneys to add more strength and expertise in the firm’s Toxic Tort Litigation, Asbestos Litigation and Product Liability.

April 28, 2017
Vogts Speaks at National Firearms Law Seminar
Vogts' speech focused on "Responsibility for Criminal Firearms Violence: Defending Firearm Manufacturers and Retail Dealers."

March 27, 2017
McCaskey Speaks at Kentucky Defense Counsel Spring Seminar
McCaskey spoke on "CSI and the Use of Forensic Evidence in Defending Civil Litigation" and "Investigative Techniques Using Advanced Technology and Social Media Law."

March 21, 2017
Monaco Moderates Regulatory Panel at ABA TIPS Motor Vehicle Conference
Several in-house counsel will provide regulatory and enforcement updates and what to expect under the new administration.

February 27, 2017
Clyder Named Vice Chair of DRI Hand & Power Tools SLG
DRI's Product Liability Committee is comprised of 18 specialized litigation groups, each of which focuses on a specific type of product, group of products or particular issues within product liability law.

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.

February 3, 2017
Clyder Speaks at DRI Product Liability Conference
Clyder will discuss "Beyond Pleading: Courting Your Client with a Tailored Defense in a Multiparty Loss."

January 5, 2017
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Names Three New Partners
Sullivan practices in Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP’s Lisle office, while Lothson and Wahl practice in the firm’s Chicago office.

January, 5, 2017
Clyder Authors DRI Article on Sports Concussion Litigation
Clyder wrote the article for DRI's Young Lawyer Newsletter.

January, 4, 2017
Report Names Illinois, Missouri Courts as “Judicial Hellholes”
The report said courts in Illinois and Missouri are among the nation’s “most unfair” in their handling of civil litigation.

December 20, 2016
McCaskey Co-Authors DRI For the Defense Article
The article focuses on the use of internet and social media for researching and accessing information to be used in automotive litigation.

December 9, 2016
Lateral Associate, Four New Attorneys Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP
Four practice in the firm's Chicago office; one practices in the firm's St. Louis office.

September 9, 2016
McCaskey Named DRI Automotive Product Liability Marketing Chair
McCaskey will serve in this role for a year.

August 15, 2016
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named to Best Lawyers List
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP also received the firm a Tier 1 ranking in the area of "Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants" in 2016.

July 27, 2016
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Welcomes Four Lateral Attorneys
The four women range in practices from Medical Negligence and Healthcare or Toxic Tort Litigation.

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.

May 18, 2016
Clyder Co-Authors DRI Article on Product Advertisement Inquiries
Clyder wrote the article along with Jodell R. Nowicki, corporate general counsel for Direct Digital LLC.

April 20, 2016
Monaco Moderates Regulatory Panel at ABA TIPS Motor Vehicle Conference
Monaco moderated a panel titled "Regulatory Blockbuster: What's New in the Regulatory Arena."

January 12, 2016
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Names New Partners
Clyder and Haddox practice in Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP’s Chicago office, while Henne practices in the firm’s Libertyville office.

December 17, 2015
Lateral Associates, Law School Grads Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP
The firm welcomes two lateral associates and two recent law school graduates to the firm's Chicago office.

December 11, 2015
Monaco Speaks on Carbon Nanotubes at HarrisMartin Conference
The conference focused on emerging toxic tort litigation.

October 20, 2015
American College of Trial Lawyers Inducts Wills, 10th Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorney
Lawyers must have a minimum of 15 years trial experience before they can be considered for Fellowship and membership cannot exceed one percent of the total lawyer population of any state.

August 24, 2015
Law Bulletin Photos Highlight Drumke, TIPS' Awards Reception
Photos feature Michael W. Drumke presenting an award to Cook County Circuit Court Chief Judge Timothy Evans.

August 19, 2015
Monaco Named TIPS' Product Liability Committee Vice Chair
He will serve as Vice-Chair for 2015-2016.

August 17, 2015
Three Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named to Best Lawyers
Partner Dale Wills was also named the Product Liability Attorney of the Year.

August 4, 2015
McCaskey Named to DRI Young Lawyers Steering Committee
He will serve in the role for 2015-2016.

July 30, 2015
Associate General Counsel, Lateral Associates Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP announces the arrival of a new partner and three lateral associates, including one to its Madison County, Ill. office.

May 18. 2015
ABA TIPS Chair Drumke Offers "View From the Chair"
Drumke writes about the return he has received on his involvement with TIPS for the past 20 years.

May 5, 2015
McCaskey Elected to State Bar of Wisconsin's Non-Resident Lawyer Division's Board of Directors for
The Nonresident Lawyers Division provides nonresident members opportunities for participation in the governance of the State Bar.

May 4, 2015
ABA Introduces Section Officers Conference Chair-Elect Drumke in Publication
Elected the 2015-2017 Chair of the Section Officers Conference, Drumke will commence his two-year term at the close of the 2015 ABA Annual Meeting.

April 9, 2015
Schichtel Named to "Top 10 Women Civil Defense" Attorney List
Schichtel ranked second on the list of ten Chicago-area female attorneys.

February 26, 2015
Drumke Named Chair-Elect of ABA Section Officers Conference
The Section Officers Conference is the organizing body for all ABA Sections, Divisions and Forums and works to advance the interests of those entities within the ABA.

February 9, 2015
McCaskey, Clyder Authors 7th Circuit Product Liability Case Law Update
The update was distributed at DRI's Product Liablity Conference in Las Vegas.

February 9, 2015
McCaskey Addresses Forensic Evidence in Product Liability Cases and Trials
McCaskey's presentation was part of DRI's annual Product Liability Conference in Las Vegas.

January 29, 2015
Bell, McCaskey Recognized in "Unique Verdicts of 2014" Publication
The case was tried in Cook County, Ill. in March 2014.

January 29, 2015
Best Lawyers Recognizes Personal Injury Defense, Product Liability Practices
The firm received a Tier 1 ranking in the area of Personal Injury Litigation - Defense.

January 15, 2015
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Names New Partners
Six associates were recently named partners, including one in St. Louis.

November 5, 2014
Sheean, Keating Defeat Plaintiffs’ Motion for Class Certification in SkinnyGirl Margarita Case
The lawsuit alleged that SkinnyGirl Margarita was mislabeled as "all natural."

October 24, 2014
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP's Indiana Practice, New Attorneys Highlighted in Chicago Daily Law Bulletin Article
With an increasing workload in the Hoosier State, Swanson, Martin & Bell LLP has added a lateral partner and four lateral associates over the past five months.

October 21, 2014
Lateral Partner, Four Lateral Associates Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP
All five attorneys practice in Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP's Chicago office.

October 20, 2014
Drumke Offers "View From The Chair" in ABA Publication
Drumke announces the the inaugural TIPS section conference in his first letter as TIPS Chair.

October 17, 2014
Wills Inducted Into American Board of Trial Advocates
Wills joins several other Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP who are also ABOTA members.

October 9, 2014
Drumke Tells TortSource About "When I Was a Young Lawyer"
Drumke answers questions about his career and offers advice for new lawyers in the Summer 2014 issue of TortSource.

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.

August 21, 2014
Three Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named to Best Lawyers
Drumke, Martin and Wills were named to Best Lawyers in various practice areas.

August 13, 2014
Drumke Elected Chair of ABA Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section
TIPS unites plaintiff, defense, insurance and corporate counsel to advance the civil justice system in one of the ABA's largest sections.

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.

June 4, 2014
Lateral Associates, New Grad Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP welcomes three associates, including one who was recently sworn in to the Illinois Bar.

March 31, 2014
Bell, McCaskey Win Not Guilty Verdict in Cook County
The trial resulted in a defense verdict for Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP's client, an industrial lift manufacturer.

February 11, 2014
Bell, Monaco Win Not Guilty Verdict for Automaker
The trial ran for two weeks in Prince Georges County, Maryland.

January 13, 2014
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Names New Equity, Non-Equity Partners
Two were elected equity partners and two were elected non-equity partners.

December 10, 2013
IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law Names Martin Alumnus of Distinction
Martin was chosen by a committee of alumni, faculty and staff through a year-long process that garnered more than 400 nominations.

November 20, 2013
Wisniewski Judges ABA Student Employment Trial Advocacy Competition
Teams from law schools nationwide will compete as plaintiffs and defendants in labor and employment-related matters, with Wisniewski and fellow attorneys serving as judges and evaluators.

November 18, 2013
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Welcomes Three Associates
The firm welcomes three associates, including two who were recently sworn in to the Illinois Bar.

November 1, 2013
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Named to Best Lawyers' List
U.S. News - Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" recognized Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP for its representation of defendants in product liability and personal injury lawsuits.

October 30, 2013
Drumke Speaks at DRI Asbestos Medicine Seminar
Drumke will address "Defending the Rest—Basics on Lung Cancer, Other Cancers, and Asbestosis: Review of the B-Read and Pulmonary Function Testing."

August 15, 2013
Wills, Martin Named to 2014 Best Lawyers in America List
Wills named in Product Liability Litigation - Defendants and Martin was named in Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants.

August 13, 2013
Drumke Named Chair-Elect of ABA Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section
With over 25,000 members and 32 general committees, TIPS unites plaintiff, defense, insurance and corporate counsel to advance the civil justice system in one of the ABA’s largest sections.

July 9, 2013
Seven Lateral Attorneys Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP
Four partners and three associates have recently joined the firm's Chicago office.

April 19, 2013
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Awarded Summary Judgment in Trace Benzene Case
The Illinois Circuit Court of Cook County rejected the plaintiffs' claim that trace amounts of benzene in the defendant's aerosols and liquids led the decedent to develop acute myeloid leukemia.

April 11, 2013
Clyder Offers Tips on Attending Product Inspections at DRI Conference
The presentation was part of the Young Lawyers Breakout during DRI's Annual Product Liability Conference in Washington, D.C.

January 30, 2013
McCaskey, Clyder Author Eighth Circuit Product Liability Case Update
The update will be distributed with materials for the upcoming DRI Product Liability Conference outside Washington, D.C.

January 8, 2013
Monaco Addresses Rear-End Collisions at Brain Injury Litigation Conference
Top litigators and a leading in house professional will discuss the accident, the injury, and the postcare treatment including the involvement by plaintiff ’s attorney.

November 26, 2012
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Welcomes Three New Associates
All three associates were recently sworn in to the Illinois Bar.

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.

May 15, 2012
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Welcomes Two Associates
Andrew J. Albright and Claire A. Floore join the firm's Chicago office.

March 19, 2012
Toxic Tort Team, Former Patent Examiner Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP welcomes four lateral attorneys to its Chicago office.

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.

January 23, 2012
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Names New Partners
The firm's new partners focus on a variety of practice areas.

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.

February 4, 2011
Fitzpatrick Gives Purdue Students Tips for Building a Career
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Partner George F. Fitzpatrick, Jr. spoke to Purdue University College of Liberal Arts students about his legal career as part of the college’s “LA Influentials” lecture/discussion course.

March 6, 2009
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Awarded #1 Top Defense Verdict in 2008 by Missouri Lawyers Weekly
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Partners Brian W. Bell and Anthony J. Monaco were recently awarded #1 Top Defense Verdict in 2008 by Missouri Lawyers Weekly.


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