Henne and Caudill Recognized in 14th Annual JVR Awards for Trial Lawyer Excellence

Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP partners Brett M. Henne and Jacob D. Caudill received a 2025 Trial Lawyer Excellence Award from the Jury Verdict Reporter, a division of Law Bulletin Media, in recognition of their outstanding work on behalf of Swanson, Martin & Bell’s clients.

The JVR Trial Lawyer Excellence Awards ceremony honors the cases and career achievements of Illinois Trial Lawyers. Learn more about Jury Verdict Reporter.

Brett and Jacob received the “Outstanding Defense Verdict in a Product Liability Case” for obtaining a defense verdict on behalf of, Pleasantview Carting Inc. For a trial that took place in 2021, where the plaintiff sought $15 million in lost wages, past and future pain and suffering, loss of a normal life, emotional distress, medical expenses, and disfigurement.  

Brett M. Henne started his career in 1989 with the Grayslake Fire Protection District, working his way up to the position of Fire Marshal, Certified Fire Investigator through the International Association of Arson Investigators, and as a licensed paramedic. His immense experience in the medical field, fire and explosion investigation, and construction field, coupled with his vast trial experience, allows Brett to efficiently and zealously represent his client’s interests throughout all phases of litigation. He represents clients across the country in cases involving product liability, premises liability, medical devices, and third-party actions. Learn more about Brett and his practice here.

Jacob D. Caudill is a Partner whose practice focuses on complex civil litigation and municipal prosecution. Since beginning his legal career in 2015, Jacob has built a reputation for effective advocacy and strategic defense across a range of practice areas, including commercial litigation—with experience defending Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) claims—medical malpractice defense, premises liability, and traffic prosecution for local government clients. Learn more about Jacob and his practice here.