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Chamberlain McHaney, PLLC

Texas Lawyers, Austin & San Antonio

Sean B. Swords

  • Rising Stars graphic Sean Swords
  • Super Lawyers 2021 Sean Swords

Partner

Sean has tried cases involving wrongful death, personal injuries, and construction disputes to verdict before juries in State and Federal courts in Central Texas and across the State. He has successfully preserved trial court rulings in multiple Texas appellate courts and at the Texas Supreme Court. He has also represented clients in arbitrations and in front of the Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation. Sean’s practice focuses on representing clients in the defense of death and catastrophic personal injury actions including defending manufacturers in product liability cases, defending companies in electrocution cases, defending businesses in transportation and trucking cases, and defending bars, restaurants, and commercial property owners in premises liability cases.  He also represents both Plaintiffs and Defendants in construction and business litigation disputes. Sean is the Chair of the Young Lawyers Committee of the Texas Association of Defense Counsel and is a member of the steering committee of the Product Liability Committee for DRI.  He has been recognized by his colleagues as a Texas Rising Star since 2021.

Activities & Honors

  • Texas Rising Star: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

Admissions

  • Texas, 2016
  • U.S. District Court Western District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas
  • Pro Hac Vice in Federal Courts in Florida, California, Colorado, and Ohio

Representative Cases

Successfully defended Austin restaurant at summary judgment phase for allegations of overservice of intoxicated patron which resulted in an automobile accident and wrongful death.

Successfully defended business over allegations of negligence in causing electrocution and wrongful death of construction worker.

Successfully defended commercial property owner at summary judgment phase for allegations of premises liability when Plaintiff fell from concrete silo sustaining severe personal injuries.

Defended valet service company in trip and fall case through jury trial which resulted in a take-nothing judgment in favor of client. Plaintiff sought $3.7 Million in damages.

Defended subcontractor in construction of hotel against allegations of negligence in a slip and fall case through jury trial which resulted in a take nothing judgment in favor of client. Plaintiff sought $1.2 Million in damages.

Defended seller of multimillion dollar home against allegations of fraud and breach of contract through jury trial which resulted in a take nothing judgment in favor of client. Plaintiffs sought in excess of $1.5 Million in damages.

Defended numerous bars, restaurants, and resorts in liquor liability (Dram Shop) cases where overservice is alleged and catastrophic injuries have resulted.

Defended manufacturers of construction equipment and other products where catastrophic injuries have resulted.

Defended numerous businesses in auto accidents where negligent hiring, training, and supervision claims have been alleged.

Professional Affiliations

  • Texas Association of Defense Counsel
    • Young Lawyers Committee (Chair 2023-2024)
    • Membership Committee
  • Defense Research Institute (DRI)
    • Product Liability Committee
    • Vice-Chair of the Manufacturers Risk Specialized Litigation Group
  • The Lloyd C. Lochridge American Inn of Court
  • Austin Bar Association
  • Austin Young Lawyers Association
  • Hays County Bar Association
  • Bastrop County Bar Association
  • Transportation Lawyers Association
  • Texas Bar Foundation, Fellow

Education

  • SMU Dedman School of Law, J.D., 2016
    • Notes and Comments Editor for the SMU Science & Technology Law Review
    • Class Representative in the Student Bar Association
  • Texas Tech University, B.B.A., 2013, summa cum laude

Speaking Engagements

Texas Update! – POINTING FINGERS, SHIFTING BLAME AND TAKING CREDIT: Third-Party Liability, Responsible Third Parties, Contribution, Indemnity and Settlement Credits, November 2022, Austin, Texas.

Texas Association of Defense Counsel, 2023 Annual Meeting, New York, NY, Program Co-Chair.