"It is a go-to firm for some of the most complex issues that a client can face. They know how to dig into the factual weeds and in doing so identify key salient facts."

-Chambers & Partners Review 2025

"Swanson & McNamara exhibit mastery of the relevant facts, skilful and proactive engagement with counsel of other parties, and are well-versed in investigations."

-Chambers & Partners Review 2025

"They are especially adept at clarifying the nuances of complex cases and creatively working toward just outcomes for their clients."

-Chambers & Partners Review 2025

"Swanson & McNamara is a small and mighty firm of exceptionally high quality. They are brilliant legal minds and everyone is at the top of their game."

-Chambers & Partners Review 2025

"Ed and Mary are sophisticated, creative, thorough and well-prepared. What distinguishes them most is that they always get the best possible result for their clients."

-Chambers & Partners Review 2025

Swanson & McNamara LLP is a trial and appellate law firm specializing in high-stakes criminal, civil, and regulatory defense and internal investigations. We handle complex matters efficiently and discreetly while providing our clients with the highest level of personal service. We work closely with our clients to develop creative and winning strategies for all types of legal problems. And in every case — from the largest to the smallest — we fight to achieve the best possible legal outcome.

Chambers Band 1 for Litigation:
Specialist Firms in White-Collar Crime &
Government Investigations in California

Best Lawyers Tier 1:

Bet-the-Company Litigation

Criminal Defense: General Practice

Criminal Defense: White-Collar

Our Practice Areas Our Team

PRACTICE AREAS

Swanson & McNamara LLP provides representation in virtually every aspect of criminal law and in a broad spectrum of civil matters. This includes representation of individuals, corporations and institutions during all phases of trial and appellate proceedings, in both federal and state investigations and courtrooms.

WHITE COLLAR

Accounting fraud
Health care fraud
Mail and wire fraud
Bank fraud
Fraud on the government
Embezzlement
Public corruption
Economic espionage
Trade secret theft
Tax crimes
Insider trading
Price fixing

COURT-APPOINTED NEUTRAL

Discovery special master
Mediation
Court expert

GENERAL CRIMINAL DEFENSE

RICO
Narcotics offenses
Violent crimes
Obstruction/Perjury
Sex crimes
Extortion
Robbery
Arson
Immigration fraud
Appeals
Habeas Corpus

MONITORSHIPS

Appointed as federal monitor to Big Tech firm subject to the Deferred Prosecution Agreement

INTERNAL INVESTIGATIONS

Audit and committee investigations
School and workplace investigations
Public entity investigations
Pool counsel

CIVIL LITIGATION

SEC enforcement
Trade secret disputes
Fee disputes
Civil forfeiture
Local counsel
Restraining orders
Securities litigation

OUR TEAM

Mary McNamara

PARTNER

Ed Swanson

PARTNER

August Gugelmann

PARTNER

Britt Evangelist

PARTNER

Carly Bittman

ASSOCIATE

Hannah Pollack

ASSOCIATE

Audrey Barron

OF COUNSEL

Amy Jo McGuigan

SENIOR PARALEGAL

Maeve O'Reilly

OFFICE MANAGER

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