Johnson & Bell, Trial Lawyers

Background

Founded in 1975, Johnson & Bell, Ltd. is a prominent litigation firm headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with additional offices in Wheaton, Illinois, and Crown Point, Indiana. The firm is dedicated to defending clients' interests through efficient, effective, and creative legal counsel, aiming to achieve clients' business objectives via trial, mediation, or commercial transactions. Over the years, Johnson & Bell has built a reputation for handling complex and catastrophic litigation across various industries, including manufacturing, chemicals, transportation, healthcare, and retail.

Key Strategic Focus

Johnson & Bell specializes in a broad spectrum of legal services, with a particular emphasis on:

Trial Practice: Representing clients in both state and federal courts.

Appellate Practice: Handling appeals across various jurisdictions.

Class Action Defense: Defending clients against class action lawsuits in areas such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, Biometric Information Privacy Act, and Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Professional Liability: Defending professionals, including accountants, architects, engineers, and lawyers, against malpractice claims.

Product Liability: Defending manufacturers against claims related to product defects.

Medical Malpractice Defense: Representing healthcare providers in malpractice litigation.

The firm's strategic focus is on delivering tailored legal solutions that align with clients' business goals, leveraging deep industry knowledge and trial experience.

Financials and Funding

As of June 2025, Johnson & Bell's estimated annual revenue is approximately $83.8 million, with a revenue per employee of $297,000. The firm operates as a privately held entity and does not publicly disclose specific funding details.

Leadership Team

Johnson & Bell's leadership comprises experienced legal professionals:

Robert M. Burke: President and Senior Shareholder, co-chair of the Transportation group, focusing on transportation litigation, products liability, and general negligence.

Joseph B. Carini III: Vice President, overseeing various aspects of the firm's operations.

John W. Bell: Co-founder and Vice President, specializing in product liability and complex litigation defense.

Garrett L. Boehm, Jr.: Shareholder, chair of the Class Action practice, co-chair of the Appellate and Environmental practices, with expertise in appellate law, business litigation, and class action defense.

Edward W. Hearn: Shareholder in the Crown Point, Indiana office, focusing on product liability, commercial litigation, and transportation law.

Matthew L. Johnson: Shareholder and Vice President, with a litigation and trial practice involving healthcare delivery systems, long-term care facilities, and educational institutions.

H. Patrick Morris: Shareholder and chair of the Toxic Tort practice, concentrating on First Amendment/Media litigation, business litigation, class actions, and products liability.

Gregory E. Schiller: Shareholder and co-chair of the Health Care group, focusing on medical malpractice defense.

Sharon L. Stanzione: Shareholder in the Crown Point, Indiana office, specializing in medical malpractice litigation.

Leadership Changes

In 2024, Johnson & Bell announced the addition of new associate attorneys, including Maxim N. Belovol and Amber J. Damerow, enhancing the firm's capabilities in various practice areas.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The legal services industry is highly competitive, with numerous firms offering a wide range of services. Johnson & Bell operates primarily in the Midwest, focusing on litigation defense across various sectors.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith: A national firm with 55 offices across 32 states, offering services in areas such as litigation, intellectual property, and corporate law.

McKool Smith: A trial firm with over 130 lawyers across seven offices, specializing in commercial litigation, intellectual property, and white-collar defense.

These firms, along with others like DLA Piper, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Latham & Watkins, and Baker McKenzie, represent significant competition in the legal services market.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Johnson & Bell is a member of the Coalition of Women’s Initiatives in Law, a non-profit association that brings together women's initiatives in law firms and companies across the Chicago area. This collaboration underscores the firm's commitment to diversity and inclusion within the legal profession.

Operational Insights

Johnson & Bell differentiates itself through a strong focus on trial practice and a commitment to achieving clients' business objectives. The firm's deep industry knowledge, particularly in sectors like healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing, positions it as a formidable competitor in the Midwest legal market.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, Johnson & Bell aims to expand its practice areas and geographic reach, leveraging its trial expertise to attract clients facing complex litigation challenges. The firm's commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as its focus on professional development, positions it well to adapt to evolving client needs and industry trends.