James R. Schwebel

James R. Schwebel is a seasoned personal injury attorney with 57 years of practice devoted to helping accident victims. His areas of legal expertise include personal injury, wrongful death, product liability, and medical malpractice. He has achieved numerous multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements, providing justice to clients injured in tragic events.

James’s education began at Cretin High School in St. Paul, MN, graduating in 1960. He earned his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Minnesota in 1965 and received his Juris Doctor from the University of Minnesota School of Law in 1968. His academic background laid the foundation for a legal career marked by dedication and outstanding results.

James is widely known for representing victims in major disasters, including the I-35W bridge collapse, the MGM Grand Hotel fire, and the Williams Pipeline explosion. He played a leading role in securing historic wrongful death verdicts, including the highest jury award for the death of a young man. His litigation work has improved lives across Minnesota.

James holds certifications and honors that show his excellence. He was one of the first in Minnesota to be named a Civil Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He was selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America in 1989 and was named “Personal Injury Litigator of the Year” in both 2011 and 2014.

Beyond courtrooms, James R. Schwebel has shaped the legal field through leadership roles. He served on the Minnesota Supreme Court’s Board of Law Examiners and the Board of Professional Responsibility. He also holds memberships in the American Board of Trial Advocates and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. James continues to stand out as one of the most influential trial lawyers in Minnesota history. His unmatched record and commitment to justice have earned him a reputation as a trusted legal advocate for the seriously injured.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Schwebel, Goetz & Sieben, P.A.
• Member, Minnesota State Bar Association
• Member, Hennepin County Bar Association
• Corporate Advisory Board, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
• Member, American Board of Trial Advocates
• Member, Million Dollar Advocate Forum
• Member, Association of Trial Lawyers of America
• Member, Supreme Court Advisory Committee
• Board of Directors, Central Minnesota Legal Services

Licensed State

• Minnesota

Education

• University of Minnesota School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Minnesota
  BA in Political Science

Awards & Badges