"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 AreasOur 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

Mary McNamara

PARTNER

Ed Swanson

Ed Swanson

PARTNER

August Gugelmann

August Gugelmann

PARTNER

Britt Evangelist

Britt Evangelist

PARTNER

Carly Bittman

Carly Bittman

ASSOCIATE

Hannah Pollack

Hannah Pollack

ASSOCIATE

Audrey Barron

Audrey Barron

OF COUNSEL

Amy Jo McGuigan

Amy Jo McGuigan

SENIOR PARALEGAL

Maeve O'Reilly

Maeve O'Reilly

OFFICE MANAGER

CONTACT US

Swanson & McNamara LLP

300 Montgomery Street
Suite 1100
San Francisco, CA 94104
Phone: (415) 477-3800
Fax: (415) 477-9010

General Contact

Maeve O’Reilly

maeve@smllp.law

Attorneys

Ed Swanson

ed@smllp.law

Mary McNamara

mary@smllp.law

August Gugelmann

august@smllp.law

Britt Evangelist

britt@smllp.law

Carly Bittman

carly@smllp.law

Hannah Pollack

hannah@smllp.law

Audrey Barron

audrey@smllp.law