James L. Svajgl
Foley & Mansfield
Toxic torts, asbestos

James Svajgl is an attorney known for his ability to relate to people and get great results. Peers described him as a high performer who is relentless when advocating for his clients.

The partner at Foley Mansfield has represented and defended his client’s toxic tort, asbestos and medical-malpractice cases in federal and state courts across the country. Through hard work for his clients Svajgl has earned a national reputation among members of the asbestos defense bar.

Svajgl has served as lead counsel in several cases, taking cases to verdict in both state and federal court. His clients include manufacturers, premises liability contractors facing complex multiparty litigation. In addition, he serves as the national coordinating and local counsel asbestos litigation for companies of all sizes.

One Forty Under 40 nominator met Svaigl around 2007 and has opposed Svajgl on several cases since then. “In a litigation where most attorneys are consumed by ego and unable to see the forest for the trees, Jim is a refreshing exception,” the nominator wrote. “As coordinating counsel for an increasingly relevant defendant in asbestos litigation, Jim has consistently found creative ways to craft simple solutions to complex cases.”

Robert E O’Malley of Chicago’s Smith Blake Hill LLC worked with Svajgl for about 10 years. He praised his range of legal know-how.

“I've worked on a variety of litigation matters with Jim, from general personal injury to medical negligence,” O’Malley wrote. “He is as versatile as he is successful. He has participated of cases, from asbestos, medical malpractice to general liability. … He is extremely capable in all settings of litigation.”

O’Malley continued, “Jim is an intelligent, thoughtful litigator who also has an innate ability to maintain professional relationships with opponents. He is very talented in multiple areas of litigation, including toxic tort, general litigation and medical negligence.”

Svajgl is a member of The Chicago Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association and DRI, a national organization representing the defense bar.