Jeffrey B. McCarron

Partner / Philadelphia, PA

Swartz Campbell credits Jeff McCarron for its stature in professional liability litigation and recognition as a Tier 1 (highest) law firm for Defense Legal Malpractice Law by Best Law Firms[1] published by U.S.News & World Report. Swartz Campbell’s professional liability group was winner of The Legal Intelligencer’s 2017 Litigation Departments of the Year.

Decades of successful management of complex and high stakes litigation earned Jeff the respect of judges and lawyers as a top defense litigator. Lawyers in need of representation regularly selected Jeff as their lawyer. Jeff has dedicated his practice to the representation of professionals in litigation. He developed and manages a group focused on the handling of professional liability litigation and disciplinary proceedings. The matters involve representation of lawyers, accountants, appraisers, realtors, insurance agents and brokers, officers and directors, architects and engineers, securities dealers, and title insurance agents. Jeff has handled hundreds of trials, and he has lectured and written about professional liability issues, risk management for professionals and litigation techniques and practice. He is licensed to practice law in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. In addition to his practice, Jeff is Chairman of Swartz Campbell’s Management Committee and chairs the firm’s Professional Liability Group.

Jeff is a clear standout among litigation defense lawyers.  With all his trial and other court successes, it is no wonder Jeff received the Distinguished Defense Counsel award from the Pennsylvania Defense Institute.  The award is to honor a member of the civil defense bar who exemplifies the qualities of professionalism, dedication to the practice of law and the promotion of the highest ideals of justice in the community.  Best Lawyers[2] in America published by U.S.News & World Report recognized Jeff as “Lawyer of the Year” for Legal Malpractice Defense in Philadelphia for 2020, 2017 and 2013.  “Lawyer of the Year” recognition is awarded to the lawyer with the highest overall peer-feedback for a specific Practice Area and geographic location. Only one lawyer is recognized as “Lawyer of the Year” for each specialty and location. SuperLawyers[3] described Jeff as “Top Rated Professional Liability Attorney in Philadelphia” and continuously listed Jeff in the top 100 lawyers in Pennsylvania and Philadelphia since 2006.  Martindale-Hubbell has continuously reported Jeff as peer rated for highest level of professional excellence reflected by his AV rating as a preeminent lawyer.  And Avvo rates Jeff 10 out of 10 (superb).

Jeff has credentials not shared by other professional liability lawyers. Jeff was the first lawyer in Pennsylvania to receive Board Certification as a Professional Liability Attorney with special competence in legal professional liability litigation by the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys.  Based on his trial advocacy and litigation experience, Jeff also received Board Certification as a Civil Trial Advocate and for Civil Pretrial Practice by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a Pennsylvania Supreme Court Approved Agency. Good standing, substantial involvement for the requisite period, proven experience, education, reviews by substantially involved peers and judges, and written examination to test proficiency, knowledge, and experience in civil trial law to justify the applicant’s representation of specialization to the public are required to receive Board Certification. Clients facing high stakes and highly publicized accusations have hired Jeff to represent them.  Many of Jeff’s matters have received media attention.  It was Jeff who won reversal of the $1,000,000 sanction against a medical malpractice defense lawyer.  When Bill Cosby sued the lawyers of his accuser, Jeff represented them.  He also represented the law firm sued by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. It was Jeff who confronted the “kids for cash” judge about his relationship with opposing counsel and later helped uncover and prosecute the judge for corruption leading to his lengthy prison sentence.  Jeff’s pursuit of justice to remedy the evil of corruption was frequently headline news. Jeff is a former Co-Chair of the Professional Responsibility Committee of the Philadelphia Bar Association, former Co-Vice Chair of the Professional Liability Committee of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and past Chair of the Professional Liability Committee of the Pennsylvania Defense Institute.  He received his law degree from Temple University School of Law. He is licensed to practice law in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

[1]Best Law Firms list is issued by U.S. News & World Report.  A description of the selection methodology can be found at http://bestlawfirms.usnews.com/methodology.aspx.  No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania or New Jersey.

[2] Best Lawyers list is issued by U.S. News & World Report.  A description of the selection methodology can be found at https://www.bestlawyers.com/about/MethodologyBasic.aspx.  No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania or New Jersey.

[3] The Super Lawyers list is issued by Thomson Reuters. A description of the selection methodology can be found at www.superlawyers.com/about/selection_process.html. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania or New Jersey.

Areas of Practice

  • Commercial Litigation
  • Legal Malpractice
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Professional Malpractice

Bar Admissions

  • 1987 Pennsylvania
  • 1987 New Jersey

Education

  • Temple University School of Law​ Philadelphia, Pa. Juris Doctor 1987
  • Hampshire College Amherst, Mass. B.A. 1983

Professional Organizations/Affiliations

  • State Civil Committee (Philadelphia Bar Association)
  • Co-Chair, Professional Responsibility Committee, 2004 (Philadelphia Bar Association)
  • Chair, Mid-size Law Firm Committee, 2001-2002 (Philadelphia Bar Association)
  • Appointed Member, Insurance Programs Committee, 2014-2017 (Philadelphia Bar Association)
  • Philadelphia Association of Defense Counsel
  • Brehon Law Society
  • Section of Litigation, Committee on Professional Liability Litigation (American Bar Association)
  • Section of Litigation, Committee on Ethics and Professionalism (American Bar Association)
  • Vice Chair, PBA Professional Liability Committee, 1997-98, 2001-2006 (Pennsylvania Bar Association)
  • Vice Chair, 1997-1998, 2001-Present (PBA Professional Liability Committee)
  • Chair of Subcommittees (PBA Professional Liability Committee)
  • Committee on Professional Liability Litigation (ABA Section of Litigation)
  • Committee on Ethics and Professionalism (ABA Section of Litigation)
  • Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers (ABA Section of Litigation)
  • Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers (ABA Section of Litigation)
  • Chair, Professional Liability Committee (Pennsylvania Defense Institute)
  • Pennsylvania Defense Institute Chair, Professional Liability Committee, 2010­-14
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association Vice Chair, PBA Professional Liability Committee, 1997­98, 2001­2006
  • Philadelphia Bar Association Co­Chair, Professional Responsibility Committee (2004) State Civil Litigation Section
  • Philadelphia Bar Association Appointed Member, Insurance Programs Committee (2014-­2017)
  • Philadelphia Association of Defense Counsel
  • American Bar Association Section of Litigation, Com. on Professional Liability Litigation Section of Litigation, Com. on Professional Liability Litigation

Court Admissions

  • Supreme Court of the United States
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 3rd Circuit
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of Pennsylvania
  • U.S. District Court Middle District of Pennsylvania
  • U.S. District Court Western District of Pennsylvania
  • U.S. District Court District of New Jersey
  • U.S. Court of Federal Claims

Presentations

  • Avoiding Legal Malpractice, Philadelphia Bar Association, 2016
  • The Ins and Outs of Fee Agreements, Philadelphia Bar Association, Insurance Programs Committee CLE, 2015
  • Litigating A Legal Malpractice Case, Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 2014
  • Client Intake and Interaction:  Fine Points of Engagement Letters, Pennsylvania Bar Association Legal Malpractice Avoidance Program, 2014
  • Age and Ignorance Are No Excuse: Ethical Concerns of Technology Incompetence Philadelphia Association of Defense Counsel Presenter, 2013
  • Age and Ignorance Are No Excuse: Ethical Concerns of Technology Incompetence Philadelphia Association of Defense Counsel Presenter, 2013
  • Defending Legal Malpractice Cases Involving Unpaid Judgments CNA Accountants and Lawyers Annual Defense Network Presenter, 2013
  • Preventing Lawyer Malpractice Philadelphia Bar Association Panelist, 2011
  • Preventing Legal Malpractice Claims & Ethics Complaints in Your Law Practice Panelist, 2010
  • Preventing Malpractice Claims & Ethics Complaints in Your Real Estate Practice Real Estate Institute Pennsylvania Bar Institute 2010
  • Cross-Examination at the Movies Pennsylvania Bar Institute 2009
  • Developing and Presenting Your Case: A Case Study of a Few Good Men Pennsylvania Bar Institute Panelist & Facilitator, 2008
  • Cross-Examination at the Movies Pennsylvania Bar Institute Presenter & Panelist, 2007
  • Pennsylvania 2006 Update: Preventing Legal Malpractice Claims and Ethics Complaints in Your Law Practice Panelist, 2006
  • Litigating the Legal Malpractice Case Pennsylvania Bar Institute Presenter and Panelist, 2006
  • Developing and Presenting Your Case: A Case Study of A Few Good Men Pennsylvania Bar Institute Panelist, 2006
  • Focus on Compensation for Attorneys and Insurance Professionals Philadelphia Estate Planning Council Speaker, 2005
  • Personal Injury Potpourri: New Ethical Rules and the PI Practitioner Dispute Resolution Institute Speaker, 2005
  • Legal Malpractice Avoidance and Risk Management Northampton County Bar Association Speaker, 2005
  • Developing & Presenting Your Case: A Case Study of A Few Good Men Pennsylvania Bar Institute Panelist, 2004
  • General Practitioners Updated, Professional Liability Pennsylvania Bar Institute Speaker- Live Broadcast, 2004
  • Litigating the Legal Malpractice Case Pennsylvania Bar Institute Presenter & Panelist, 2004
  • Avoiding Legal Malpractice Chester County Bench Bar Conference Speaker, 2003
  • The Courtship of Counsel and Insurer ABA National Legal Malpractice Conference LaJolla, California Panelist, 2003
  • Successfully Litigating the Automobile Accident Case Pennsylvania Bar Institute Presenter, 2003
  • Avoiding Malpractice in Auto Cases Ethics and Professional Liability Issues for Defense Lawyers Philadelphia Association of Defense Counsel Annual Meeting Presenter, 2003
  • Mandatory Professional Liability Insurance: Is It A Good Idea? Professional Responsibility Committee, Philadelphia Bar Association Panelist,2003
  • Lawsuits About Lawsuits: Wrongful Use of Civil Proceedings and Other Sanctions for Frivolous Proceedings Conference of County Bar Leaders Pennsylvania Bar Association Panelist and course planner, 2003
  • Sanctions for Frivolous Litigation Montgomery County Bar CLE program Speaker, 2002
  • Avoiding Legal Malpractice Lehigh County Bar CLE program Speaker, 2002
  • Avoiding Legal Malpractice Lancaster County Bar CLE program Speaker, 2002
  • Malpractice Avoidance Conference of County Bar Leaders Pennsylvania Bar Association Panelist, 2002
  • Pennsylvania Statewide Law Firm Avoiding Malpractice Seminars Speaker, 2001
  • Law Practice Ethics Tune-up Jagiellonian Law Society Speaker, 2001
  • Anatomy Of The Legal Malpractice Case Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 2001
  • Presenter – Conflicts, Confidentiality, and Breach of Fiduciary Duty Roundtable discussion leader – Significance of Professional Conduct Rules To Liability And Defense; The Challenge of Joint Representation, 2001
  • Personal Injury Potpourri Dispute Resolution Institute Presenter – Wrongful Use of Civil Proceedings, 2001
  • Avoiding Malpractice New Jersey Bar Association Speaker, 2001
  • Malpractice Avoidance For The Personal Injury Lawyer Pennsylvania Bar Institute Speaker, course planner, and panel member, 2000
  • Expert Witness Testimony Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association Presenter – Cross-examination Of The Expert Witness, 2000
  • Ethics Potpourri Pennsylvania Bar Institute Presenter – Lawsuits About Lawsuits, 2000
  • Client Trust Account Management National Business Institute Author of reference manual, Speaker, 2000
  • Why Plaintiff's Lawyers Get Sued Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association Section Meeting Speaker, 2000
  • Delaware Valley In Firm Malpractice Avoidance Seminars Presenter of numerous Pennsylvania Bar Association, Professional Liability Committee sponsored in house risk management, continuing legal education seminars, 2000
  • Legal Aspects Of Personal Property Appraising: Minimizing The Risk American Society of Appraisers Program planner and presenter of volume III of a risk management audio tape, continuing education program for appraisers, 2000
  • Malpractice Avoidance Berks County Bar Association Retreat, Freeport, Bahamas Speaker, 1999
  • Managing The Risk Bucks County Bench-Bar Conference, Sky Top Lodge Speaker, 1999
  • Delaware Valley In Firm Malpractice Avoidance Seminars Presenter of numerous Pennsylvania Bar Association, Professional Liability Committee sponsored in house risk management, continuing legal education seminars, 1999
  • PBA Malpractice Avoidance County Bar Program Northampton County Bar Association Speaker, 1999
  • PBA Malpractice Avoidance County Bar Program Bucks County Bar Association Speaker, 1997
  • Managing Your Law Office – The Legal Challenges Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 1997 Presenter – Internal Review Process: Protecting and Encouraging Internal Review and Risk Management Panel member – Hot Topics in Law Firm Ethics & Professional Liability
  • Contemporary Practices to Reduce Professional Liability Exposure Professional Liability Committee Presentation, PBA Annual Meeting, 1997 Course planner/moderator Presenter – Client Intake and Interaction
  • Civil Litigation Update Pennsylvania Defense Institute, 1997 Presenter – Developments in Lawyers Professional Liability
  • Colburn-Bertholon-Roland Law Firm Risk Management Series Presenter – risk management seminars to law firms, 1997
  • Ethics Potpourri Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 1996 Restructuring Your Law Firm to Avoid Malpractice, 1996

Honors and Awards

  • Recipient of award for Distinguished Defense Counsel from Pennsylvania Defense Institute - 2016

Professional Experience

  • Swartz Campbell LLC Philadelphia, Pa. Equity Member 1996 ­present,
    Associate Lawyer 1990­-1995
    Chair, Management Committee 2008 ­- present
    Management Committee 1999-­present
    Chair, Professional Liability Group 1996 - ­present.
  • Defender Association of Philadelphia Philadelphia, Pa.
    Major Trial Division Attorney 1987-­1990

Certificates and Specialties

  • Martindale­-Hubbell rating: AV (highest)
  • Diplomate, American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys with special competence in legal professional liability litigation 1999, recertification 2004, 2009
  • Board Certified Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, certified 2003, recertification 2008, 2013, Board of Examiners 2006
  • Board Certified Civil Pre­Trial Practice by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, certified 2012
  • Pennsylvania Super Lawyer selected by Law & Politics, publisher of Philadelphia Magazine (top 100 in Pennsylvania since 2006)
  • Distinguished Defense Counsel, awarded by Pennsylvania Defense Institute 2016 to honor a member of the civil defense bar who best exemplifies the qualities of professionalism, dedication to the practice of law and promotion of the highest ideals of justice in the community.
  • Listed in Best Lawyers in America in Legal Malpractice Law since 2006, Lawyer of the Year in Legal Malpractice Defense​, 2013 Philadelphia
  • Philadelphia’s Top Rated Lawyers in Legal Malpractice, published by ALM
  • Pennsylvania licensed attorney
  • New Jersey licensed attorney
  • Supreme Court of the United States
  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
  • United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
  • United States District Court for Western District of Pennsylvania
  • United States District Court for the District of New Jersey
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
  • United States Court of Federal Claims

Testimonials

  • "I would not hesitate to assign the defense of any insured to you whether the claim arose in Pennsylvania or any other state… One of your greatest strengths is in negotiating settlements where we have received the benefit of numerous savings. Our trust in you extends beyond the realm of professional liability."
  • "No matter what type of litigation we throw your way, whether it be a professional liability or non-professional liability, you always come up with a quality plan of action." "The quick resolution was a direct result of Jeff McCarron's plan and execution. Even before that though he sized up this issue, provided us with good counsel and a plan that got this to a quick and successful conclusion in the form of voluntary dismissal with prejudice. Pretty good. We were well represented."
  • "I wanted to go on record noting your manner in dealing with laymen like me in addition to your legal abilities. It is a very impressive and valuable combination for a professional to possess"
  • "Your concern for your client's welfare is commendable."
  • "Not only did they represent my firm and me in the best traditions of the profession, they truly made me feel like I wasn't just another client. I have been practicing for 29 years and I only wish I could be as service oriented as they were to me."
  • "Mr. McCarron handled the case as a Five Star General in the field of combat. In addition, he is a first class gentleman and an extremely knowledgeable advocate. He would be my first choice, if I had to refer anyone to legal counsel who may find themselves in an unfortunate position."
  • "At trial, Jeff was able to get the Claimant's expert to not only withdraw his opinion, but then acknowledged the correctness of the defense contentions. Claimants then discontinued the action with prejudice and apologized to us."
  • "Your efforts clearly took a near disaster and turned it into the closest thing to a victory that [we] could have hoped for."
  • "Thank you for your excellent and competent representation, including your thorough legal and factual analyses in regards to this complex case."
  • "Without question...you are one of the very best professional liability defense attorney on our panel. I would not hesitate to assign the defense of any insured to you whether the claim arose in Pennsylvania or any other state."
  • "We greatly value the ease of doing business with you and your firm. I can't recall a time where we have ever had a dispute over your firm's rates or any charges for legal services. Each case assignment is treated as a partnership to advance the interests of our insureds. One of your greatest strengths is in negotiating settlements where we have received the benefit of numerous savings."
  • "I wanted to thank you and your staff at Swartz Campbell for the fine services you have provided over our many years together...Your services have always been top rate and I credit you for achieving consistently favorable outcomes."
  • "There is no matter I would not confidently place with you and Swartz Campbell for handling. I look forward to many more years of partnering in the future."
  • "I will never doubt you again...I will take your sarcasm as the heavy price I pay for your brilliance."
  • "As usual, you are the best."
  • "What an entertaining and enlightening presentation. This is what CLA courses should be - an interactive sharing of experiences. Again, my many thanks."
  • "Your knowledge of trial presentation and preparation shone through brightly and man of us in the audience adored your sense of humor! Thanks for making the presentation enjoyable. It was wonderful working with you again, and I hope we can do it again soon!"
  • "Saying THANK YOU seems so inadequate...I really do feel I am in your debt for the excellent work you did on this case...I was pleased with the results, but I wanted to go on record noting your manner in dealing with laymen like me in addition to your legal abilities...I owe you! THANKS AGAIN for your time and effort."
  • "I am sure you are aware of the verdict at this point...What you may not have heard is that it took the jury all of 65 minutes to decide."
  • "Dear Jeff, Your legal skills are excellent. Your concern for your client's wellfare is commendable. Thank you for not only the excellent job that you did but your professionalism...Thank you."
  • "...provided me with excellent counsel through Jeff McCarron...Not only did they represent my firm and me in the best traditions of the professions, they truly made me feel like I wasn't just another client. I have been practicing for 29 years and I only wish I could be as service orientated as they were to me. They not only defended my position they truly believed in me as another professional."
  • "I wish to take this opportunity to thank you and your company for defending me in this matter...It is with great appreciation that I thank you...for defending me; and most importantly, for having assigned this case to Jeffrey B. McCarron, Esquire, as my counsel for defense...Mr. McCarron controlled this entire case, which was somewhat complex because of all the attorneys involved and some of the issues. He familiarized himself with every single fact detail of the case...I trusted him in making the legal decisions concerning the strategy; and, I am thankful for his counsel, particularly in light of the great outcome."
  • "Mr. McCarron handled this case as a Five Star General in the field of combat."
  • "I think Attorney McCarron hit the Trifecta with that performance."
  • "Jeff is one of the best attorneys we work with."
  • "I will be eternally grateful to all of you for having rescued me from potential disaster and for treating me with empathy and dignity always...My best wishes to you all for success and happiness..."
  • "It no longer ceases to amaze me your trial wins...as usual, excellent job!"
  • "I am grateful that this matter is favorably concluded and wish to take this opportunity to thank both of you for what I consider excellent representation in this matter and obviously, a favorable result."
  • "Thanks for all your help. I felt well represented. Please congratulate Jeff and Josh as I think we really won...Best regards."
  • "Jeff- Thank you for guiding me through...I appreciate everything you did."
  • "I wanted you to know how much a personally appreciated your fine representation of me. It is quite a personal relief to me to have this now behind me...Again, thank you very much."
  • "I want to personally thank you for your representation in this matter. I could not have had finer counsel and I certainly cannot quarrel with the result. Thank you once again."
  • "Thank you for your communication that you are closing your file in this matter and that Mr. McCarron will be doing the same. I am most grateful for the support and assistance you provided. Mr. McCarron was the best defense counsel I could have wished for – he was very thorough and patient with me in preparation for the deposition and was clearly in command of the proceedings from start to finish. I don’t think I could have felt more confident that I had the best counsel and support in this matter, and I thank you and him for that."
  • "To put it briefly, I am glad you were representing our firm and we were not the plaintiff’s firm in this matter. Your attention to the medicine, stealth cross examination, and attention to minutiae and detail is what won this case."
  • "I do have high esteem for Jeff McCarron who deftly and soundly defended me against a very frivolous yet vigorously prosecuted malpractice claim which found me sued for the first time ever. "
  • "I just wanted to follow up and write this quick note to you regarding the quality of the representation I received from Jeff and Candy at Swart Campbell LLC relative to my disciplinary matter. I can unequivocally represent that there can be no attorneys better suited to dealing with the disciplinary board than Jeff and Candy. They provided a superior response to the DB7 and developed a supremely intelligent strategy in dealing with the disciplinary counsel that yielded this desired result. "
  • "Get outta town! You guys are geniuses."
  • "Thank you for your excellent services in representing our firm."
  • "You most aptly and successfully represented and defended me, and the firm. I have not forgotten how well you handled a most disruptive matter, and what a comfort you were on a very personal level."

CONTACT Jeffrey B. McCarron / (215) 299-4376 (phone) / (215) 299-4301 (fax)

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