40 Under Forty 2023

A lways prepared. Aggressive. Intelligent. A commanding presence in the courtroom. This is how Andrew Albright’s peers describe this young liability defense attorney. His combination of a sharp legal mind, relentless work ethic and commitment to his clients is the reason why Albright has managed to build such a strong legal career at such a young age. Albright’s clients turn to him when they face high-exposure claims of catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death and property loss. He has successfully defended negligence claims against physicians, attor- neys, manufacturers, engineers, construction firms and transportation companies. Albright also boasts experience representing professionals in licensure proceedings, hearings and investigations before government agencies. James Ozog, partner with Goldberg Segalla, is working with Albright on a large catastrophic injury case against public utilities and other de- fendants. The case, in which Albright has taken the role as lead defense counsel, has been a showcase for Albright’s legal skills, Ozog said. “I have observed and admired Andrew’s skills,” Ozog said. “He is al- ways prepared, aggressive but always civil and polite and respected by opponents. He excels in both written and oral argument. He is definitely one of the most accomplished young lawyers I have engaged with over the last few years.” Stephen Goins, associate general counsel with Metra, has worked closely with Albright, too. Albright has served as outside counsel for Metra, and has never failed to impress in his dealings with the rail ser- vice, Goins said. Goins points to a case that he and Albright tried together. In it, the plaintiff asked for $16.5 million. Thanks largely to Albright’s advocacy, the jury returned a verdict of only 10% of that amount. “Andrew performed an excellent cross-examination of the plaintiff and the plaintiff’s expert witnesses, as well as the closing argument,” Goins said. “He was brought into the case at the very late stages and performed excellently.” The Judge presiding over the case agreed with Goins, “Last year I presided over a trial in which Mr. Albright was the defense attorney. The client sent in Mr. Albright. He took over and performed exceedingly well.” The judge continued, “The field of law needs lawyers with his civili- ty and diligence as it always makes a difference. “ That result isn’t unusual. Albright is often brought in at the 11th hour to try cases. The reason? He has crafted a reputation as an expert trial practitioner. Albright is also an active member of the Defense Research Institute and never hesitates to mentor young attorneys. “I can say that first- hand, Andrew has been instrumental in me improving in my brief writing and my deposition strategy,” said Patrick Russell, general attorney at the Union Pacific Railroad Company. “He has a complete understanding of key issues, damages models and case evaluation. He is instrumental in mentoring young associates at his firm as well as helping friends like me who have since gone on to other places.”

ANDREW ALBRIGHT

AGE 39

FIRM Swanson, Martin & Bell LLP

LAW SCHOOL Indiana University School of Law Indianapolis

AREA OF PRACTICE General and professional liability defense

2023 ILLINOIS ATTORNEYS TO WATCH

The field of law needs lawyers with his civility and diligence as it always makes a difference.”

40 Under Forty 2023 CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN