Holly L. Deihl
Partner
Attorney Holly L. Deihl is a partner at SWMW Law. She focuses her practice in mesothelioma and asbestos-related cases, helping injured workers and their families secure the justice they deserve. For more than a decade, Holly’s tenacity in the courtroom and empathetic approach to clients has made her a trusted advocate for the clients she represents.
“Every day, I wake up determined to give a voice to those who otherwise wouldn’t have one,” Holly said. “The client who’s fighting to make it to his 50th wedding anniversary with his wife, the client that’s fighting to make her daughter’s wedding or see their first grandchildren – I do this for them. Clients who were just trying to work and support their growing families, they deserve justice, and I will do everything in my power to make sure they get it.”
Michael received the distinction of being selected as an “Up Coming Lawyer” by Missouri Lawyers Media in 2010 and was the recipient of the National Order of the Scribes Award for Excellence in Legal Writing in 2008. Prior to attending law school, he taught high school English in Kansas City, Missouri.
Working With Holly
Holly’s clients can expect her to be a true champion for them from the very beginning. Not only is she thorough in investigating her clients’ case and creative in her development of strategies, she knows from experience how devastating asbestos-related diseases can be.
“Both of my grandfathers were steelworkers at Bethlehem Steel in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and they both suffered from asbestos-related diseases,” she said. “I genuinely know what my clients are going through and it’s important to me that they know they’re not alone.”
This is a philosophy Holly takes to heart and puts into practice with every case she works on.
“I feel like every new client is a part of my family,” she continued. “I fight for them like they’re my parent, grandparent, sibling or friend. I go to bat for them and give everything I’ve got.”
History Of Success
Prior to joining SWMW Law, Holly created a name for herself at a plaintiffs firm in Pennsylvania where she was made shareholder, later leaving to start her own firm in 2018. For more than a decade, she worked to establish herself as both a formidable opponent and respected colleague.
“My reputation with the defense attorneys and judges that I’ve worked with daily for the last 16 years is impeccable,” Holly said. “They know that they will get a tough, but fair, fight from me.”
Holly’s track record of success is bolstered by a long list of awards, including: National Trial Lawyers Top 100 – 2017, 2019; Best Attorneys in America – 2019; American Academy of Attorneys Top 100 – Personal Injury Law; American Institute of Legal Advocates – Elite Advocate – 2019; and Super Lawyers 2019 – Top Rate Civil Litigation Attorney in Pittsburgh.
Giving Back
Holly’s dedication applies to the community as well as the courtroom. She’s been a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association Women’s Law Division Council since 2019, where she actively serves on the Events and Bench Bar committees. As part of the Western Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, she also helps organize a 5K that benefits the Pittsburgh Steelwheelers, a nonprofit that provides support and programs for physically challenged athletes in the tri-state area. She also volunteers her time to the Pine Richland High School Baseball Booster Board as their Baseball Social Manager.
Background
Holly received her undergraduate degree from Pennsylvania State University, Altoona College in 2001 and her juris doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law in 2004. Outside of the courtroom, Holly likes to be active and spend time with her family. A former college athlete, she has a strong love for sports, is an avid runner, and can often be found at the nearest baseball field cheering for her sons.
Leadership Positions
Pennsylvania Association for Justice – Board of Governors (2024-present)
Hearing Committee Member serving the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania (2024-present)
Western Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association – 5K Race Committee Member (2019-present)
Western Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association – Board of Governor Member (2024-present)
Allegheny County Bar Association (ACBA) – Women in Law Division Chair Elect (2023-2024)
ACBA Bench Bar Planning Committee – (2021-present)
ACBA Bench Bar Planning Committee – Vice-Chair (2022-2023)
Allegheny County Bar Foundation – Advocate Fellow (2022-present)
Pine Richland Baseball Boosters – Social Event Director (2020-2023); President (2023-present)
Licenses
Missouri
Pennsylvania
West Virginia
Illinois
Memberships
Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis
American Association for Justice
Allegheny County Bar Association
Allegheny County Bar Foundation
Western Pennsylvania Trial Lawyer Association
Pennsylvania Association for Justice
Awards
National Trial Lawyers Top 100 (2017, 2019)
Best Attorneys in America (2019)
American Academy of Attorneys Top 100 – Personal Injury Law
American Institute of Legal Advocates – Elite Advocate (2019)
Super Lawyers – Rising Star Award (2019)
Unsung Hero Award – The Legal Intelligencer (2023
Education
B.S. Criminal Justice
Pennsylvania State University Altoona College – Undergraduate School
J.D.
Duquesne University School of Law – Graduate School