SWMW Law

We recently welcomed our 2026 class of summer interns: Mykala Delk, Armand Shabany, Annie Keeney, and Mickey Butkovich. Now in its fourth year, the SWMW Law Summer Intern Program gives area law students the experience, skills, and mentorship they need to flourish in the legal field and beyond. Please join us in welcoming them to the firm!

Many of the clients we represent are veterans. That's why supporting organizations that serve veterans is so important to us.

Last month, SWMW Law employees volunteered with Dogs For Our Brave, Inc., helping create a clean and safe environment where rescue dogs are trained to become service dogs for wounded veterans.

The experience gave us a firsthand look at an organization that is changing lives—one veteran and one dog at a time.

Some heroes wear uniforms. Some stand on four legs. And sometimes, they find each other.

Serving Those Who Served: SWMW Law Volunteers with Dogs For Our Brave - SWMW Law In May, eight SWMW Law employees spent a day volunteering with Dogs For Our Brave, a remarkable nonprofit organization dedicated to providing professionally trained service dogs to wounded veterans at no cost.

Please join us in congratulating Partner Patrick O'Brien, who was recently elected Treasurer of the Academy of Rail Labor Attorneys (ARLA). Congratulations, Pat!

SWMW Law Partner Patrick O’Brien Elected Treasurer of the Academy of Rail Labor Attorneys - SWMW Law SWMW Law is proud to announce Partner Patrick O’Brien has been elected treasurer of the Academy of Rail Labor Attorneys (ARLA).

We’re excited to share that Partner Holly L. Deihl has been named to the 2026 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list.

Super Lawyers is a nationally recognized rating service that identifies outstanding attorneys from more than 70 practice areas. Selections are made through a rigorous, multiphase process that includes peer nominations, independent research, and evaluations — with no more than 5% of attorneys in any state earning Super Lawyers status in a given year.

Congratulations, Holly! We're proud to have you on our team!

This Memorial Day, we're thinking of all the brave men and women who served, including the many veterans we've had the privilege of representing.

Veterans are among the most at-risk populations for mesothelioma and asbestos-related disease. The military relied heavily on asbestos for decades, and those who served paid a price that continues to this day.

SWMW Law stands with veterans and their families — in the courtroom, and always. 🇺🇸

To those we've lost, and those still fighting: you are not forgotten.

We are proud to announce Partner Sophie Zavaglia has been named a 2026 Women’s Justice Award winner by Missouri Lawyers Media.

For more than a decade, Sophie has dedicated her career to advocating for victims of mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases with skill, empathy, and relentless determination. Whether in the courtroom, mentoring attorneys, teaching future lawyers, or serving the community, Sophie continues to make a lasting impact.

This honor reflects not only her exceptional legal talent, but the compassion and humanity she brings to every client she represents. Congratulations, Sophie! We are proud to have you on our side.

SWMW Law Partner Sophie Zavaglia Named a 2026 Women’s Justice Award Winner by Missouri Lawyers Media - SWMW Law SWMW Law is proud to announce Partner Sophie Zavaglia has been named a 2026 Women's Justice Award winner by Missouri Lawyers Media.

🌶️🎉 Spicing things up at SWMW Law! 🎉🌶️

Today, our Fun Committee brought the heat with a Cinco de Mayo Salsa Showdown—and let’s just say, the competition was 🔥

Seven of our talented team members whipped up their own homemade salsas, each bringing bold flavors and serious bragging rights to the table. Employees sampled, voted, and enjoyed some refreshing Mexican soda along the way—because what’s great salsa without something to wash it down?

After some tough (and tasty) deliberation, we’re excited to congratulate our winners:
🥇 First Place: Mike Brockland
🥈 Second Place: Andrea Martinez-Salazar
🥉 Third Place: Ashley Thomas

Huge thanks to everyone who participated and made today such a fun (and delicious) celebration!

We're proud to share that Partners Benjamin McIntosh and Patrick O'Brien have been named to St. Louis Magazine's 2026 St. Louis Best Lawyers list! Pat was recognized in Railroad Law and Personal Injury Litigation, while Ben earned honors in Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, and Mass Tort Litigation. Congratulations to two attorneys who bring exceptional skill — and genuine heart — to every case they handle.

Two SWMW Law Attorneys Named 2026 St. Louis Best Lawyers - SWMW Law SWMW Law Partners Patrick O'Brien and Benjamin McIntosh have been included in St. Louis Magazine's "2026 St. Louis Best Lawyers" list.

For decades, asbestos manufacturers knew their products were deadly and chose profit over people. The legal system exists to hold those companies accountable to help victims and families access the compensation they deserve. Asbestos trust funds – established by bankrupt asbestos companies – hold billions of dollars specifically set aside for victims. Personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits have helped thousands of families find justice. You don’t have to navigate this alone, and there are no upfront costs to explore your legal options. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, we encourage you to reach out and learn what options may be available to you.

U.S. military veterans make up a disproportionately large share of mesothelioma diagnoses – estimated at around 30 percent of all cases. The Navy was particularly affected, as ships were heavily insulated with asbestos throughout the mid-20th century. Shipyard workers, boiler room operators, pipefitters, and those who served in engine rooms faced some of the highest exposure levels of any occupational group. Army and Air Force veterans who worked in construction, vehicle repair, or with certain equipment were also at risk. Many veterans aren’t aware of the connection between their service and their diagnosis, or that legal options may be available to them. This week is a chance to make sure they know.