Litigation: Specialist Firms in White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations
USA Guide 2024 : California
Band 1
Chambers Review
Swanson & McNamara is a highly regarded boutique which is regularly seen in litigation throughout State and Federal Courts. The team is recognized for the standout trial credentials of its bench and its impressive reputation among local judiciary bodies and often defends individuals and corporations in areas including securities fraud, antitrust and False Claims Act, alongside additional strengths in general criminal and civil litigation matters. The firm acts for a diverse client base, which includes a number of senior executives in the technology and financial sectors.
Work Highlights
- Swanson & McNamara defended Sheila Quintana following conspiracy and wire fraud claims brought by the US Attorney's Office, alleging she and a codefendant fraudulently obtained title to properties belonging local churches and used the properties to obtain high-interest loans.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They're on everyone's shortlist of top criminal defense lawyers. They're spectacular."
"This is a small firm that packs a massive punch. They have an incredibly strategic and practical approach to litigation and they're incredibly effective and highly respected advocates, especially in the Northern District of California. "
"I think they're some of the best criminal lawyers in the country. They get hired for the big cases, the ones that are the most important cases in their clients' lives, and they always do a great job."
"They're top of the line. They have deep knowledge of the law and procedure, excellent judgment and superb people. This is a truly excellent group of lawyers practicing at the highest level."
"They are fierce advocates, but also calming and strategically delicate in their approach. They can be diplomatic and they can be bulldogs - they can do everything."
"They're on everyone's shortlist of top criminal defense lawyers. They're spectacular."
"This is a small firm that packs a massive punch. They have an incredibly strategic and practical approach to litigation and they're incredibly effective and highly respected advocates, especially in the Northern District of California. "
"I think they're some of the best criminal lawyers in the country. They get hired for the big cases, the ones that are the most important cases in their clients' lives, and they always do a great job."
"They're top of the line. They have deep knowledge of the law and procedure, excellent judgment and superb people. This is a truly excellent group of lawyers practicing at the highest level."
"They are fierce advocates, but also calming and strategically delicate in their approach. They can be diplomatic and they can be bulldogs - they can do everything."
Notable Practitioners
Edward Swanson is a go-to choice for sophisticated white-collar criminal defense matters, with a wealth of experience acting for clients facing criminal trials and investigations.
"Ed is very calm in court, exceptionally bright and highly regarded by the judges."
"He has excellent judgment and is very, very good at cutting a case down to its essence and focusing on what matters. He's particularly good at knowing how to size up his audience and pitch the case, understanding how a prosecutor thinks and putting his clients in their best perception."
"Ed is the gold standard in a defense attorney - he's deeply knowledgable, has excellent judgment and truly cares for the well-being of his clients."
"Ed is one of the best criminal defense attorneys in the US, period."
"I think his judgment and his strategic thinking are his strengths. I think he is one of the best lawyers in the white-collar space nationally as he has extraordinarily good judgment - he's not just smart, but he also understands how to come to practical solutions for clients."
Mary McNamara offers excellent pedigree in defending executives in high-stakes investigations and enforcement actions, with commentators consistently highlighting her standout courtroom skills as a significant asset to clients.
"The judges love her and treat her almost like a peer. She's got great client skills and an impressive courtroom presence."
"She's absolutely wonderful to work with. She's strategic, tactful, has an incredibly sharp legal mind and she is highly respected by the bench."
"Mary is a talented and powerful criminal defense attorney who has achieved some great results for her clients."
"Mary has incredible judgment and great knowledge of the intricacies of criminal law. On a personal level, she is charming and easy to deal with."
"She is terrific. She's very highly thought of and extremely competent. She's top of the heap, the cream of the Bay Area crop."
Britt Evangelist has a robust criminal defense practice which sees her regularly engaged by corporate and individual clients in regulatory enforcement matters.
"She's practical, responsive and efficient, with a highly strategic and practical approach to litigation."
"She's a very talented lawyer and a persuasive legal writer."
"She's incredibly sharp, incredibly hardworking and strategic."
Audrey Barron's practice encompasses both DOJ and SEC investigations, often relating to complex fraud and trade secrets theft. She has built a strong expertise representing both individuals and corporations in this space.
"Audrey showed excellent judgment and skills for her years of practice."
Ranked Lawyers at
Swanson & McNamara LLP
California