Attorney Jacob Benshoff is an associate at SWMW Law. He joined the firm in 2026, focusing his practice on helping individuals and families affected by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. He will also assist in personal injury, civil rights, and Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) matters.
Jacob’s commitment to advocating for those who need it most has been a driving force throughout his legal career. Guided by a belief that everyone deserves a voice in the justice system, he has dedicated himself to standing up for individuals facing powerful corporations, difficult circumstances, and seemingly insurmountable challenges.
“I’ve always been someone who stands up for the little guy,” Jacob said. “I became an attorney because I wanted to dedicate my life to helping people who might otherwise feel powerless. No individual should have to face a large corporation or an unfair system alone, and I want to be the person who stands beside them and makes sure their voice is heard.”
Jacob’s relationship with SWMW Law began long before he became an associate. While attending Saint Louis University School of Law, he spent two years clerking at the firm, gaining hands-on experience assisting attorneys with asbestos litigation, class actions, personal injury, civil rights, and FELA cases. That experience reinforced his passion for plaintiff advocacy and his desire to build a career fighting for individuals and families who have been wronged.
Today, he brings a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a determination to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the firm’s clients.
“What makes this work so rewarding is knowing that what we do can genuinely change someone’s life,” Jacob said. “When you believe in the people you’re representing and the principles you’re fighting for, putting in the hard work comes naturally. That’s what drew me to SWMW Law, and it’s what motivates me to give every client my best.”
Beyond his experience at SWMW Law, Jacob developed a strong foundation in courtroom advocacy through his work representing individuals facing criminal charges. As a Rule 13 student-attorney in Saint Louis University School of Law’s Criminal Defense Clinic, he represented clients charged with federal crimes, working to protect their rights and advocate for more favorable sentencing outcomes. He also represented individuals in state court during bond and preliminary hearings.
Jacob further strengthened his litigation experience as a Rule 13 student-attorney with the Missouri State Public Defender’s Office in St. Louis City. There, he represented individuals facing felony charges at bond hearings, preliminary hearings, and motions to suppress evidence. He also assisted attorneys in preparing serious felony cases for trial, including murder cases.
These experiences gave Jacob an appreciation for the responsibility that comes with representing someone whose future may depend on the outcome of a legal proceeding. They also reinforced his belief that effective advocacy requires more than legal knowledge and preparation. It requires compassion, trust, and a genuine understanding of the people behind each case.
For Jacob, building meaningful relationships with clients is one of the most important aspects of practicing law. He recognizes that people often seek legal representation during some of the most devastating and uncertain moments of their lives. His goal is to ensure every client feels heard, supported, and confident that someone is fighting for them.
“When someone comes to us, it’s usually because something terrible has happened to them or someone they love,” Jacob said. “I never want a client to feel like they’re just another case or a number on a file. I want to know who they are, understand what they’ve been through, and make sure they know I genuinely care about what happens to them. When you build that kind of relationship, you’re not just fighting for a case. You’re fighting for someone you know and believe in.”
Outside of the office, Jacob remains committed to mentorship and giving back to his community. He serves on the alumni board of his college fraternity and volunteers as an assistant mock trial coach at De Smet Jesuit High School, where he helps introduce students to the legal profession and develop the skills and confidence to become effective advocates.
Memberships
Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis
