James A. Swetz

Admitted

1976, Pennsylvania; 1977, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania; 1982, U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit; 1991, Florida; 1994, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida, 2015, U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit, 2016

Memberships

• Monroe County Bar Association
• The Florida Bar
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Board of Directors 2005-2009; Vice President-Middle District, 2009-11; President-Elect 2011-12; President 2013-2015, Immediate Past President 2015)

Biography

James A. Swetz has built a distinguished legal career marked by trial excellence, professional leadership, and sustained peer recognition.

A graduate of Villanova University School of Law, Attorney Swetz served on the Villanova Law Review as a Staff Member (1974–1975) and later as Case and Comment Editor (1975–1976). During that time, he authored a published casenote in the 20 Villanova Law Review 520 (1974–1975), demonstrating early distinction in legal scholarship.

He began his legal career in public service as a Public Defender in Monroe County from 1979 to 1980, gaining valuable courtroom experience that would shape his future as a trial advocate.

Over the course of his career, Attorney Swetz has earned numerous honors recognizing his skill and reputation in criminal and trial law. He was named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer in 2007 and continuously from 2009 through 2025, an honor awarded to attorneys who demonstrate a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement across more than 70 practice areas. The Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list is published annually in Super Lawyers and Philadelphia Magazine.

In 2012, he was named one of Pennsylvania’s Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association. He was also recognized as Pocono’s Best Criminal Defense Lawyer in 2013 by Greatest Around the Poconos and was named to the “10 Best” list by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys.

Board Certification and Peer Recognition

Attorney Swetz is Board Certified in Criminal Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA), a Pennsylvania Supreme Court–approved certifying organization. Board certification is achieved only by attorneys who demonstrate substantial trial experience, receive strong peer and judicial recommendations, and successfully pass a rigorous written examination. Fewer attorneys attain this distinction, reflecting a high level of specialization and competence in trial advocacy.

In addition, Attorney Swetz has maintained an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell for over 15 years. This is the highest rating available and signifies exceptional legal ability and adherence to the highest ethical standards, as recognized by fellow attorneys and members of the judiciary.

Through decades of dedicated practice, courtroom excellence, and professional integrity, James A. Swetz has established himself as a highly respected trial attorney in Pennsylvania.