SWMW Law, one of the top plaintiffs law firms in the country focused on representing victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, is proud to announce Partners Patrick O’Brien and Benjamin McIntosh have been included in St. Louis Magazine’s “2026 St. Louis Best Lawyers” list. The annual list recognizes the city’s top legal talent that have been honored by their peers as The Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch®.
O’Brien was recognized as a Best Lawyer in America® in both Railroad Law and Personal Injury Litigation, while McIntosh was recognized as a Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, and Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions-Defendants.
“These honors speak volumes about who Pat and Ben are at their core. They are exceptional attorneys, but just as importantly, they are people of character who care deeply about the individuals and families they represent,” said Member Steve Wohlford. “They approach every case with a sense of responsibility and purpose, knowing the impact their work has on real lives. Their recognition as Best Lawyers in America® reflects years of tireless advocacy, quiet sacrifices, and a relentless pursuit of justice. It’s an honor that is not only well deserved, but one that truly captures the difference they make every single day.”
O’Brien joined the firm in 2024, focusing his practice on representing the rights of injured railroad workers, as well as representing those who have sustained catastrophic injuries. He has earned the reputation of being one of the country’s premier Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) attorneys with decades of experience fighting for the rights of those injured through their work with the railroad. His expertise within this niche practice has established him as a formidable and tenacious advocate for his clients, resulting in significant verdicts and settlements over his 40-year career.
McIntosh joined the firm in 2022. As part of our Asbestos Practice, he works directly with clients suffering from asbestos-related diseases on all aspects of their case from start to finish – from initial intake to case work up, deposition prep, motion practice, and preparing to try cases. Additionally, McIntosh has led the charge in case development for a new consumer protection and class action department at the firm. These efforts have led to more than a dozen class-action cases primarily against financial institutions that have practiced deceptive and predatory lending. Despite the big-named companies he’s up against, he remains undeterred in taking these companies to court to fight for consumer rights.
Published since 1983, Best Lawyers® lists attorneys in 150 specialties, representing all 50 states, who have been chosen through an exhaustive survey in which thousands of the nation’s top lawyers confidentally evaluate their professional peers. The 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® is based on more than 14.7 million evaluations of lawyers by other lawyers. The method used to compile Best Lawyers remains unchanged since the first edition was compiled more than 40 years ago. Lawyers are chosen for inclusion based solely on the vote of their peers. For more information visit www.bestlawyers.com.