In 1974, Jim founded what is now Minnesota's largest law practice specializing in personal injury litigation. Today, he and his partners lead a team of 17 attorneys and over 85 employees who are committed to achieving fair and swift compensation for their clients.
Less than 1% of all attorneys in the United States are selected for inclusion in "The Best Lawyers in America", Woodward White, New York. Jim has enjoyed this unprecedented distinction since its inception in 1988. He is one of only three Minnesota lawyers who were inducted into the Founder's Society of the Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association. In every year since its inception, he has been listed in "Leading Minnesota Attorneys" published by the American Research Corporation. "Minnesota Lawyer" called him one of "Minnesota's Top 25 Litigators." His achievements have been noted in Minnesota Law & Politics "Top 3 Personal Injury Awards.” "Top 10 Super Lawyers" and National Law Journal recently acknowledged him as one of "Minnesota's Top Ten Litigators."
Jim successfully represented victims of the MGM Hotel fire in Las Vegas and the Williams Pipeline explosion in Roseville. In addition, he was appointed by the Court as a member of the Plaintiff's liability Committee to handle claims for many Minnesotans who lost family members in the Galaxy Airlines crash in Reno, Nevada. In a 2002, jury trial he received the highest award ever handed down for the wrongful death of a young man. Jim received record post-trial settlements for victims of the Nicollett Mall Hollidazzle Crash.
Jim was one of the first attorneys in Minnesota to be certified as a Civil Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He was also chosen for membership on the American Board of Trial Advocates. Jim was appointed by the Minnesota Supreme Court to serve on the Board of Professional Responsibility and on the Board of Law Examiners.
AREAS OF PRACTICE:
Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Product Liability, Medical Malpractice
BAR & COURT ADMISSIONS:
Minnesota State Bar, 1968
U.S. District Court - District of Minnesota, 1970
U.S. Supreme Court of Minnesota, 1981
U.S. Supreme Court of the United States of American, 1971
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin, 1981
U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit, 1970
EDUCATION:
University of Minnesota School of Law, 1968
University of Minnesota, Mpls, MN, BA, Political Science, 1965
Cretin High School, St. Paul, MN, 1960
PAST EMPLOYMENT:
Schwebel, Goetz, & Sieben, P.A., 1981-present
James R. Schwebel & Associates, 1974-81
Deparcq, Anderson, Perk, Hunegs & Schwebel, 1972-74
Deparcq, Anderson, Perl, Hunegs, 1968-72
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS:
International Society of Barristers, Fellow 2006
Minnesota Association for Justice, Secretary 1980-82
Hennepin County Bar Association, Member
Mother's Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Corporate Advisory Board
American Board of Trial Advocates, Member
Million Dollar Advocate Forum, Member
American Association for Justice, Member
Supreme Court Advisory Committee, Member
Supreme Court of MN Lawyers, 1982-89
Minnesota State Board of Law Examiners, Member, 1973-1982
Standing Committee for No-Fault, 1975-1980
Underwriting Committee of MN, Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company
Blue Cross/Blue Shield Subscriber Litigation ”Committee of Plaintiff’s”
Hennepin County Legal Medical Committee, Secretary: 1972-1975
Central Minnesota Legal Services, Board of Directors
Member Lawyers Credit Union, Board of Directors: 1983
American Bar Association
- Insurance, Negligence & Compensation Law
- Twin Cites Advisory Council: 1987
- National Panel of Arbitrators
Minnesota State Bar Association
- Advisory Council: 1977-80
- MV Committee: 1970-78
HOMETOWN:
St. Paul, Minnesota
INTERESTS:
Family, motorcycling, running, dogs and landscaping. |
Biography
