Full Name
Brian Swanson
Job Title
Partner
Company
Bartlit Beck LLP
Speaker Bio
Brian represents clients in high-stakes litigation across the country. He has extensive trial experience before judges and juries in federal and state courts, representing both plaintiffs and defendants in a variety of practice areas, including mass torts, general commercial disputes, and intellectual property. Brian recently served as lead trial counsel for Walgreens in two cases brought by cities and counties relating to Walgreens' distribution and dispensing of opioid medications. Brian was also a member of the team that tried one of the only "pattern or practice" employment discrimination cases to go to trial, brought by the EEOC against Texas Roadhouse. On the plaintiff side, Brian served as lead trial counsel for Clark Material Handling in a tortious interference case against Toyota Material Handling USA, Inc. Following a jury’s finding of liability, the Court awarded enhanced damages, resulting in a judgment in excess of $10 million. These accomplishments have earned Brian recognition as a Litigation Star by Benchmark Litigation and as a Notable Litigator & Trial Attorney by Crain's Chicago Business (2025). While Brian enjoys trying cases, he finds victories outside the courtroom equally gratifying. He has been instrumental in securing favorable out-of-court resolutions for numerous clients, from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies.

Brian graduated from Northwestern University School of Law cum laude and earned his bachelor’s degree from Amherst College cum laude.
Brian Swanson