Biography
Catherine is the chair of the firm’s Appellate Practice Group and focuses her practice on trial practice and appeals. She has briefed more than 200 cases involving a wide range of litigation topics in various state and federal courts of appeal, including the Seventh Circuit, all Illinois appellate districts, the Colorado appellate court and the North Carolina appellate court. She also has extensive experience as an oral advocate, and presents argument regularly to the Seventh Circuit and the Illinois Appellate Court.
In addition to her appellate practice, Catherine actively represents clients in the state and federal trial courts through all phases of litigation, from case inception through trial, primarily defending legal malpractice, commercial, product and premises liability claims. Catherine’s wide-ranging appellate practice and knowledge of procedure gives her a unique perspective on case strategy. As such, she also acts as a strategy consultant and substantive motion practice specialist in complex cases.
Prior to joining the firm, Catherine acted as an Assistant Illinois Attorney General in the Civil Appeals Division, representing state agencies and representatives, and the People of Illinois, before all Illinois appellate courts and the Seventh Circuit.
Practices
Appellate Practice
Commercial Litigation and Business Disputes
General Trial Practice
Product Liability
Memberships & Affiliations
- Illinois Appellate Lawyers Association
- Secretary, 2022-2023
- Treasurer, 2021-2022
- Board of Directors, 2013-2015
- Illinois Women's Bar Foundation
- Vice President, 2010-2013
- Board Member, 2008-present
- Seventh Circuit Bar Association
- Chicago Bar Association
- Special Projects Coordinator, 2004-2007
- University of Notre Dame Alumni Association
- Chicago Inn of Court
Awards
- Selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America - The Best Lawyers,2023
- Named to Crain's Chicago Business Notable Women in Law, 2022
- Selected for inclusion in Illinois Leading Lawyers, 2021
- Named to Law Bulletin Media's Salute! Top 50 Women in Law, 2021
- Named to Crain's Chicago Business Notable Gen X Leaders In Law, 2019
- Selected for inclusion in Illinois Super Lawyers - Rising Star Edition, 2010-2014
Presentations
- Speaker, “Prejudgment Interest is Here to Stay – Maybe. Probably. But.” Chicagoland Healthcare Risk Management Society, November 2021
News
Chicago, April 03, 2023
Sheean and Weiler Secure Victory at Illinois Supreme Court for TransUnion
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys Christopher T. Sheean, Catherine Basque Weiler, and Margaret C. Redshaw scored a victory for firm client TransUnion's unit, TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions, Inc., before the Illinois Supreme Court.
Chicago, January 23, 2023
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named 2023 Illinois Super Lawyers
Five Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys have been named to the 2023 Super Lawyers® list as leading practitioners in their field across Illinois.
January 16, 2023
Catherine Basque Weiler Quoted in Bloomberg Law on Illinois Justices New Term With Historic Female Majority
Partner Catherine Basque Weiler was quoted in a Bloomberg Law article, "Illinois Justices Set for New Term With Historic Female Majority."
September 02, 2022
Catherine Basque Weiler Named to Crain's 2022 Notable Women in Law List
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP is pleased to announce that partner Catherine Basque Weiler has been named to Crain's Chicago Business 2022 Notable Women in Law list.
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.
July 07, 2022
Catherine Basque Weiler Named Secretary of the Illinois Appellate Lawyers Association
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP partner Catherine Basque Weiler was appointed Secretary of the Appellate Lawyers Association (ALA) following ALA's Annual Meeting and installation ceremony on June 30.
Chicago, November 16, 2021
Weiler, Reveille Speak at CHRMS Chicago Law Day on Prejudgment Interest
Reveille and Weiler will discuss "Prejudgment Interest is Here to Stay-Maybe. Probably. But."
Chicago, 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.
Chicago, June 21, 2021
Weiler Named Officer of Appellate Lawyers Association
Weiler will serve as treasurer for the year and is expected to progress through the officer ranks until serving as ALA president in a few years.
Chicago, February 1, 2021
Fourth Circuit Affirms Summary Judgment for Firm Client
The plaintiff appealed the District Court's decision and last week, the Court of Appeals ruled in the client's favor and affirmed the District Court's decision .
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, 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.
Chicago, May 20, 2020
Weiler Speaks at Appellate Lawyers Association Program on Remote Oral Arguments
The virtual luncheon program provides an opportunity to hear from the bench and bar on remote arguments in the Illinois reviewing courts.
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 1, 2020
Weiler Quoted in Law360 on Illinois Cases to Watch In 2020
Weiler suggested Nichole Hamby et al. v. Bayer Corporation et al. as a case to watch.
Chicago, 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.
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.
Chicago, December 20, 2018
Law360 Quotes Weiler on Biggest Illinois Decisions of 2018
Weiler named Peraino v. The County of Winnebago et al. as a noteworthy decision this year.
Chicago, 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."
Chicago, Lisle, Libertyville, Madison County, January 23, 2018
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named Leading Lawyers, Emerging Lawyers for 2018
Those designated Leading Lawyers were recommend by their peers to be among the top lawyers in Illinois.
January 4, 2018
Schichtel, Weiler Successfully Appeal Apparent Agency Question to Illinois Supreme Court
The related policy issues affect hospitals, medical facilities, and charity care throughout Illinois.
August 15, 2017
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin Highlights Appellate Court Ruling in Noncompete Case
According the article, "in a ruling that broke new legal ground Monday, a state appeals panel found that connecting with a former colleague on a social media platform is not enough to violate a noncompete agreement."
November 2, 2016
Appellate Court Affirms Dismissal of Professional Negligence Claim
Partners William J. Rogers and Catherine Basque Weiler successfully persuaded the appellate court to affirm the dismissal.
July 1, 2016
Bell, Weiler and Sphar Win Opinion in Employment Discrimination Case
The opinion affirmed a jury verdict for their client, a medical corporation, in an employment discrimination case.
January 8, 2016
Nickels Hosts Presentation for Notre Dame Law Students
Almost 50 Notre Dame Law School students came to Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP's Chicago office to learn about various types of law practiced by fellow alumni.
June 26, 2015
Schichtel, Weiler and Schneider Win Opinion in Illinois Appellate Court for Hospital Client
The opinion affirmed a summary judgment for Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP's client and clarifies the scope of agency law in Illinois.
January 13, 2015
Becker, Weiler Win Appeal before the Illinois Second District Appellate Court
The win affirmed a summary judgment on behalf of their client, a national homebuilder in a large homeowner class action.
January 13, 2014
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 2014 Illinois Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.
January 8, 2014
Fardy Wins IP Bench Trial on Patent Ownership and Fraud Issues
The client won a declaratory judgment on patent ownership issues as well as counterclaims of fraudulent concealment and fraud misrepresentation.
June 25, 2013
Weiler Named Director of Appellate Lawyers Association
Weiler was sworn in earlier this month for a two-year term.
January 3, 2013
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 2013 Illinois Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.
January 3, 2012
Illinois Super Lawyers Recognizes 34 Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP announces that 23 of its attorneys were recognized as Illinois Super Lawyers, while 11 others were recognized as Rising Stars.
November 14, 2011
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Joins ILSCCP Mentoring Partnership
The ILSCCP Lawyer-to-Lawyer Mentoring Program pairs new associates with partners who provide professional guide and practical guidance.
