Biography

Arthur J. Reliford, Jr. is a senior partner at Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP. As a general litigator, Art has successfully represented as lead and co-counsel a variety of professionals, businesses, major corporations and municipalities in state and federal courts across the country. He concentrates his practice in the areas of commercial litigation, professional negligence, and complex civil litigation. He has tried as lead and co-trial counsel a variety of jury trials, bench trials and arbitrations to verdict, and handled mediations. Art is actively involved in the management of the firm as chair of the firm’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and as a member of the firm’s Associates Committee.

Practices

Commercial Litigation and Business Disputes
General Trial Practice
Professional Liability
Lawyers Liability

Memberships & Affiliations

• Black Men Lawyers' Association
• American Bar Association
• Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel
• LINK Unlimited
• Saint Ignatius College Prep Tolton Society
• DePaul University Alumni Board

Awards

• Selected for inclusion in Leading Lawyers, 2024-2025
• Illinois Super Lawyers' Rising Stars Edition, commercial litigation

News

Chicago, February 05, 2025
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP to Participate in Respiratory Health Association's 2025 Hustle Chicago® Charity Stair Climb
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP is proud to announce its participation in the 2025 Hustle Chicago® charity stair climb on February 23 at the former John Hancock Center in Chicago. The firm is honored to support the Respiratory Health Association's (RHA) vision of healthy lungs and clean air for all while contributing to vital education programs and initiatives that improve public health.

January 10, 2025
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Recognized as Leading Lawyers and Emerging Lawyers for 2025
Fifty-three Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys have been recognized in the 2025 edition of Leading Lawyers, published by Law Bulletin Media. This honor highlights their outstanding skill and leadership in the legal field. Attorneys selected were nominated by their peers as among the top in Illinois. Leading Lawyers recognizes the most qualified and trusted attorneys within their respective practice areas and geographical regions.

September 09, 2024
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Sponsors 2024 Black Men Lawyers' Association's 4th Annual Golf Outing and Fundraiser
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP is a proud sponsor of The Black Men Lawyers’ Association’s (BMLA) 4^th Annual Golf Outing and Fundraiser on September 14, 2024, at the Jackson Park Golf Course.

February 27, 2024
Reliford to Speak at Christ the King Jesuit College Prep's Annual Career Day
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Partner Arthur J. Reliford will participate in Christ the King Jesuit College Prep's Annual Career Day on March 1.

Chicago, February 06, 2024
Reliford, Horan & Sullivan Obtain Not Guilty Verdict in High-Stakes Paramedic Malpractice Case
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys Arthur J. Reliford, Jr., Kevin P. Horan and Susan E. Sullivan obtained a defense verdict after a two week trial on behalf of their clients, The City of Chicago and two city paramedics, in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois.

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, 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, 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.