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Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP was founded in 1992 by a group of trial lawyers who left a large Chicago firm with a bold vision: to deliver more responsive, efficient, and effective representation tailored to their clients’ needs. That entrepreneurial spirit—and a deep commitment to resolving contested matters through trial when necessary—has defined the firm ever since.

Known nationally for its extensive jury trial experience, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP has earned a reputation for excellence in handling complex commercial, equitable, and casualty disputes. Its attorneys have tried hundreds of cases to verdict, and the firm is trusted by Fortune 500 companies, major institutions, and clients across the country.

What began with 13 attorneys focused on high-quality, cost-effective advocacy has grown into a litigation powerhouse of nearly 140 lawyers in over 30 practice areas, with offices in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Kansas. Yet the firm remains true to its roots—preserving the agility and client-first mindset that sparked its founding.

As Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP looks to the future, it continues to build on the core values that shaped its beginning: exceptional lawyering, a strong work ethic, and unwavering dedication to client success. That foundation not only defines who we are today—it drives our vision for tomorrow.

Our Community

At SMB, we strive to make a meaningful impact by supporting charitable initiatives and giving back through various programs that foster education, promote social justice, and assist those in need. 

Our attorneys and staff actively participate in both local and national programs, including Feeding America, Lawyers Lend-A-Hand to Youth, Pedal the Cause, the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, Feed My Starving Children, CTK Corporate Work Study Program, and more. 

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Our Commitment to Diversity

Our ideals have always aligned with Mansfield’s stated goal of opening the door wider to a broader pool of qualified talent, and that is why the firm has achieved Mansfield Certification for 2023-24, and has reaffirmed its commitment to obtaining Mansfield Certification for 2024-2025.

Our participation in this data-driven process has confirmed what we have always known – that the firm is and always will be committed to giving meaningful consideration to historically underrepresented individuals in the legal industry, while at the same time retaining the firm’s merit-based hiring and advancement process, and steadfastly avoiding making any employment decision based on a particular demographic trait.

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Our History

1992

Foundation & Vision

Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP was founded in June 1992 by 13 seasoned trial attorneys with a shared vision: to provide outstanding advocacy at a cost-effective rate. Its founding partners, many of whom came from Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon, brought along decades of experience in civil litigation and a passion for serving clients with integrity and dedication.

1996

Establishing a Reputation for Excellence 

Early on, as the firm continued to grow, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP easily distinguished itself through its results obtained in major trials, and its ability to navigate difficult legal landscapes.

1999

National Reach & Trial Focus

By this time, the firm had gathered more than 140 years of combined litigation experience at both local and national scales. Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP continued to dedicate itself to trial advocacy as it represented major corporations and professionals in intricate disputes, while emphasizing courtroom representation and strategic settlements.

2005-2007

Expansion & Growth

During this period, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP experienced rapid growth as it attracted top legal talent, and positioned itself as a dynamic force in litigation with an ever-expanding team of highly skilled attorneys. The firm also expanded its office to 68,000 square feet in the heart of Chicago.

2009

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

As the firm grew, its commitment to diversity and inclusion also expanded. With an increasing number of women attorneys joining the team, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP proudly worked to foster a more diverse and inclusive legal field. The firm’s efforts were recognized in 2009 when its Female Attorneys were featured in the Leading Lawyers Network.

2010

National Recognition & Community Impact

Beyond its legal successes, the firm gained recognition for its commitment to giving back to the community, with many of its attorneys emerging as influential leaders in the legal field. Several former attorneys went on to hold prominent roles, including serving as judges, furthering the firm’s legacy of cultivating talent that not only excels in the courtroom but also serves the broader community.

2013

Practice Area Expansion

Building on its strong foundation in litigation, the firm expanded its practice areas to include entertainment law, media law, insurance defense, intellectual property, creditors rights and professional liability. This expansion reflected the firm’s commitment to representing professionals, including doctors, architects, engineers, and other specialists, in a range of legal matters.

2017

Reputation as a Leading Firm

Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP had solidified its reputation as one of Chicago’s premier law firms. Known for its expertise in product liability and other complex litigation, the firm became the go-to resource for clients in need of skilled and reliable legal representation.

2020

Resilience & Adaptation During Pandemic

In response to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the firm swiftly adapted to remote and virtual legal practices, ensuring continuity of service to its clients. Despite the pandemic’s disruptions, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP showcased its resilience and commitment to client success as it continued to make headlines with noteworthy verdicts.

2025 - Present

A Litigation Powerhouse

Today, with a team of over 140 attorneys and a skilled support staff across seven offices in four states, and a strong foundation in Chicago and a growing national footprint, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP stands as a dynamic litigation powerhouse. While the firm has built a solid reputation for managing complex litigation across diverse industries, representing clients throughout the United States, it also excels in high-stakes international cases, extending its expertise to global legal challenges. Committed to trial advocacy, the firm remains a trusted advisor and a leader in navigating the most intricate legal landscapes.

Our History

1992

Foundation & Vision

Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP was founded in June 1992 by 13 seasoned trial attorneys with a shared vision: to provide outstanding advocacy at a cost-effective rate. Its founding partners, many of whom came from Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon, brought along decades of experience in civil litigation and a passion for serving clients with integrity and dedication.

1996

Establishing a Reputation for Excellence 

Early on, as the firm continued to grow, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP easily distinguished itself through its results obtained in major trials, and its ability to navigate difficult legal landscapes.

1999

National Reach & Trial Focus

By this time, the firm had gathered more than 140 years of combined litigation experience at both local and national scales. Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP continued to dedicate itself to trial advocacy as it represented major corporations and professionals in intricate disputes, while emphasizing courtroom representation and strategic settlements.

2005-2007

Expansion & Growth

During this period, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP experienced rapid growth as it attracted top legal talent, and positioned itself as a dynamic force in litigation with an ever-expanding team of highly skilled attorneys. The firm also expanded its office to 68,000 square feet in the heart of Chicago.

2009

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

As the firm grew, its commitment to diversity and inclusion also expanded. With an increasing number of women attorneys joining the team, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP proudly worked to foster a more diverse and inclusive legal field. The firm’s efforts were recognized in 2009 when its Female Attorneys were featured in the Leading Lawyers Network.

2010

National Recognition & Community Impact

Beyond its legal successes, the firm gained recognition for its commitment to giving back to the community, with many of its attorneys emerging as influential leaders in the legal field. Several former attorneys went on to hold prominent roles, including serving as judges, furthering the firm’s legacy of cultivating talent that not only excels in the courtroom but also serves the broader community.

2013

Practice Area Expansion

Building on its strong foundation in litigation, the firm expanded its practice areas to include entertainment law, media law, insurance defense, intellectual property, creditors rights and professional liability. This expansion reflected the firm’s commitment to representing professionals, including doctors, architects, engineers, and other specialists, in a range of legal matters.

2017

Reputation as a Leading Firm

Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP had solidified its reputation as one of Chicago’s premier law firms. Known for its expertise in product liability and other complex litigation, the firm became the go-to resource for clients in need of skilled and reliable legal representation.

2020

Resilience & Adaptation During Pandemic

In response to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the firm swiftly adapted to remote and virtual legal practices, ensuring continuity of service to its clients. Despite the pandemic’s disruptions, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP showcased its resilience and commitment to client success as it continued to make headlines with noteworthy verdicts.

2025 - Present

A Litigation Powerhouse

Today, with a team of over 140 attorneys and a skilled support staff across seven offices in four states, and a strong foundation in Chicago and a growing national footprint, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP stands as a dynamic litigation powerhouse. While the firm has built a solid reputation for managing complex litigation across diverse industries, representing clients throughout the United States, it also excels in high-stakes international cases, extending its expertise to global legal challenges. Committed to trial advocacy, the firm remains a trusted advisor and a leader in navigating the most intricate legal landscapes.

Careers

We highly value talent, dedication, and a strong work ethic. Our commitment is to foster a supportive environment where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, grow, and make meaningful contributions to our ongoing success. Whether you are an experienced attorney, a skilled support staff member, or a law student eager to learn and grow, we invite you to explore the opportunities available at our firm. 

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