Michael W. Drumke, partner at Swanson, Martin, & Bell LLP, received the ABA James K. Carroll Leadership Award for Tort Trial and Insurance Practice, which recognizes an attorney or judge who has demonstrated leadership qualities in service to the section.
The American Bar Association Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section presented the award during the opening plenary session on Thursday, Oct. 12, at the TIPS Fall Meeting in the Bahamas.
Michael's practice focuses on trials involving complex business litigation, toxic tort, product liability, pharmaceutical, class action and commercial litigation for clients across the country. He also serves as co-chair of the firm’s Cannabis Law Practice Group and has authored articles and given presentations nationally on recent developments in toxic tort law, class actions, environmental litigation, insurance coverage issues, trial techniques and cannabis law.
He has served as a member of the American Bar Association Board of Governors and as a member of the ABA House of Delegates. He is a past chair of the ABA Tort Trial and Insurance Section and the ABA Section Officers Conference.
Drumke was named the 2023 “Lawyer of the Year” for Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants in Chicago by Best Lawyers in America® and has been selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America® for Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants.
He received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Tufts University in 1988 and a law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1991.
“Mike Drumke has been an incredible leader both within TIPS and the broader ABA, inspiring many as he led the way. His passion and dedication are unsurpassed,” said Loren D. Podwill, chair of the ABA Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section. “I am so pleased to honor our friend and colleague Mike Drumke with this very fitting, James K. Carroll Leadership Award.”
The ABA Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section unites plaintiff, defense, insurance and corporate counsel to advance the civil justice system. TIPS is a national source of expertise in tort, trial and insurance practice and brings lawyers together to share information and speak out on issues of importance. The section has over 10,000 members and more than 30 general committees that focus on substantive and procedural matters in areas across the broad spectrum of civil law and practice.