Foley & Lardner LLP announced today that Erik Swanholt has joined the firm’s Business Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice as a partner in the Los Angeles office.
With over 19 years of experience as a business litigator, Mr. Swanholt’s practice is focused on a wide range of litigation matters involving product liability, commercial and consumer class actions, toxic tort litigation and pharmaceutical drug defects. He also works on matters involving privacy, cybersecurity and data protection. Erik represents clients in the public sector across a variety of industries, most notably the consumer products, pharmaceutical and health care industries.
“Erik has a well-rounded practice that is deeply rooted in the complex business litigation matters our clients are heavily focused on, particularly as it relates to pharmaceuticals and consumer class actions,” said Michael Gay, chair of Foley’s Litigation Department and Business Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice. “His experience representing some of the most premier entities in the space will be a tremendous fit for our Business Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice.”
Recent work carried out by Mr. Swanholt includes representation of Abbott Laboratories, BSH, Celgene, Dole, Fisher-Price, Genentech, Mattel, North Safety Products, PepsiCo, Sempra, Takeda, Textron, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals and Yamaha in various public matters.
At both the federal and state levels, Mr. Swanholt handles complex commercial litigation involving unfair competition, deceptive trade practices and antitrust claims. Throughout his career he has also worked on construction matters and tort actions in the off-road vehicles, industrial safety equipment and asbestos industries.
“With consumer class actions continuing to be top of mind for many of our clients both in California and nationally, Erik is a natural addition to our California team,” said Jeff Atkin, managing partner of Foley’s Los Angeles office. “His joining is another step forward in growing our Business Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice and presence in the burgeoning California market.”
Prior to joining Foley, Mr. Swanholt was a partner at Jones Day.
With over 19 years of experience as a business litigator, Mr. Swanholt’s practice is focused on a wide range of litigation matters involving product liability, commercial and consumer class actions, toxic tort litigation and pharmaceutical drug defects. He also works on matters involving privacy, cybersecurity and data protection. Erik represents clients in the public sector across a variety of industries, most notably the consumer products, pharmaceutical and health care industries.
“Erik has a well-rounded practice that is deeply rooted in the complex business litigation matters our clients are heavily focused on, particularly as it relates to pharmaceuticals and consumer class actions,” said Michael Gay, chair of Foley’s Litigation Department and Business Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice. “His experience representing some of the most premier entities in the space will be a tremendous fit for our Business Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice.”
Recent work carried out by Mr. Swanholt includes representation of Abbott Laboratories, BSH, Celgene, Dole, Fisher-Price, Genentech, Mattel, North Safety Products, PepsiCo, Sempra, Takeda, Textron, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals and Yamaha in various public matters.
At both the federal and state levels, Mr. Swanholt handles complex commercial litigation involving unfair competition, deceptive trade practices and antitrust claims. Throughout his career he has also worked on construction matters and tort actions in the off-road vehicles, industrial safety equipment and asbestos industries.
“With consumer class actions continuing to be top of mind for many of our clients both in California and nationally, Erik is a natural addition to our California team,” said Jeff Atkin, managing partner of Foley’s Los Angeles office. “His joining is another step forward in growing our Business Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice and presence in the burgeoning California market.”
Prior to joining Foley, Mr. Swanholt was a partner at Jones Day.
People
Related News
February 19, 2026
Press Releases
Foley Continues Strategic Expansion in California with Addition of Four Partners, Enhancing Corporate and Intellectual Property Capabilities
Foley & Lardner LLP announced today the expansion of its California platform with the addition of four partners to its San Diego, San Francisco, and Silicon Valley offices. Matt Browne, Darby Chan, Sanjeet “Sanj” Dutta, and Peter Stockburger join the firm’s Corporate and Intellectual Property Departments, bringing extensive experience advising clients across a wide range of industries and legal disciplines. Their arrival enhances Foley’s capabilities in its Innovative Technology and Health Care & Life Sciences Sectors, key areas of sustained client demand and a central pillar of the firm’s long‑term growth strategy.
February 11, 2026
Press Releases
Foley Relocates to Enhanced Office Space in Raleigh
Foley & Lardner LLP is pleased to announce the relocation of its Raleigh, North Carolina, office to GlenLake One, a six‑story Class A office building anchored by a multi-functional central plaza. The move affirms the firm’s strategic investment in the community and provides an enhanced environment that supports both client service and the office’s continued growth.
February 10, 2026
Press Releases
Foley Expands Construction and Manufacturing Capabilities with Addition of J.P. Vogel in Dallas
Foley & Lardner LLP announced today that J.P. Vogel has joined the firm as a partner in the Construction Practice Group and the Manufacturing Sector. Based in Dallas, Vogel advises private equity, owners, developers, specialty subcontractors, suppliers, and manufacturers on every aspect of high leverage construction projects, acquisitions, and operations throughout the United States and abroad.