Biography

Andrew’s practice focuses on complex civil litigation, including commercial, product liability, mass tort, intellectual property and class action defense. Andrew’s practice is national in scope. He has represented corporate clients under pro hac vice admissions in more than 40 states. Andrew also regularly counsels clients on mitigating risks and navigating intricate regulatory schemes at the local, state and federal level. Regardless of the subject matter, thinking outside of the box to formulate creative solutions to complex problems is a hallmark of Andrew’s practice.

With respect to high-stakes litigation, Andrew has successfully defended and resolved cases in a variety of forums, from multi-week trials to multi-faceted mediations. He also has extensive experience drafting critical briefs at both the pre-trial and post-trial stages of lawsuits, resulting in numerous published decisions in jurisdictions across the country.  Andrew has led the development and execution of clients’ strategies on, for example, defending against class certification; Daubert and expert witnesses; handling trade secrets; e-discovery; punitive damages defense; constitutional challenges; product recalls and retrofits; warranties; indemnity; fiduciary duties; and preparing high-exposure cases for summary judgment and eventual appeal. And as a member of the firm’s Appellate Practice Group, Andrew has a breadth of experience in federal appeals, authoring briefs in the U.S. Courts of Appeal for the First, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh, and D.C. Circuits.

Andrew’s legal career began with Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP, and he is now an equity partner in the firm. Before law school, Andrew was a Division 1-A football letter winner at NIU.  He continues to support NIU athletics and the law school.  Andrew is also an avid outdoorsman and traveler, and he enjoys pursuing these passions with family and friends.

Practices

Appellate Practice
Commercial Litigation and Business Disputes
General Trial Practice
Product Liability
Class Action Defense
Intellectual Property Litigation and Transactional Services

Awards

• Selected for inclusion in Illinois Super Lawyers - Rising Stars Edition in 2013-2018
• Named to Law Bulletin Media’s “40 Under Forty” in 2021

News

March 25, 2024
Lothson to Present at 2024 AEM Product Safety & Stewardship Conference and Product Liability Seminar
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Partner Andrew A. Lothson will present at the 2024 Product Safety & Stewardship Conference and Product Liability Seminar, hosted by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), on April 22-25 in Chicago, IL.

Chicago, September 3, 2021
Lothson Named to Law Bulletin Media's 40 Under Forty List
According to Lothson's profile, ""Andy has natural instincts beyond his years and is an exceptionally bright and creative attorney."

Chicago, Lisle, Libertyville, Madison County, January 11, 2021
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named Leading Lawyers, Emerging Lawyers for 2021
Those designated Leading Lawyers were recommended by their peers to be among the top lawyers in Illinois.

Chicago, Lisle, Libertyville, Madison County, February 3, 2020
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named Leading Lawyers, Emerging Lawyers for 2020
Those designated Leading Lawyers were recommended by their peers to be among the top lawyers in Illinois.

Chicago, January 16, 2019
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named Leading Lawyers, Emerging Lawyers for 2019
Those designated Leading Lawyers were recommend by their peers to be among the top lawyers in Illinois.

Chicago, Libertyville, Madison County, January 26, 2018
Illinois Super Lawyers Recognizes 35 Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP is proud to have 20 Super Lawyers and 14 Rising Stars among its attorneys.

Chicago, January 16, 2017
Illinois Super Lawyers Recognizes 38 Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP announces that 38 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2017 Illinois Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

Chicago, Lisle, January 5, 2017
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Names Three New Partners
Sullivan practices in Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP’s Lisle office, while Lothson and Wahl practice in the firm’s Chicago office.