Bio
Colin Schwartz is a Principal in the Firm's Casualty Litigation Department and concentrates his practice on the defense of complex litigation involving products liability and premises liability claims, demolition and construction site incidents, and commercial transportation accidents. He routinely represents product manufacturers and distributors, construction companies, real estate developers, property management companies, hospitals, retailers, and clients in the hospitality industry in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Mr. Schwartz also practices in the field of consumer rights, defending clients in unfair trade practices, consumer fraud, and related common law claims.
Mr. Schwartz trial and litigation experience involve cases with catastrophic injuries, complex fact patterns, and significant financial exposure for his clients. This includes cases involving allegations of wrongful death, negligence, and dangerous defects. He is experienced in all stages of litigation, from pleadings through trial, and has litigated lawsuits in both state and federal courts in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
The Best Lawyers in America™ recognized Mr. Schwartz in its 2021, 2022 and 2025 editions in the "Ones to Watch" category in the area of Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. For information about this selection and an overview of common third-party publications, rankings, and lists methodologies, click here.
Prior to joining Post & Schell, Mr. Schwartz practiced at a medium-sized Philadelphia firm in the areas of general casualty, automotive negligence, premises liability, and toxic tort liability. Mr. Schwartz also completed a fellowship with Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, representing clients in private housing matters.
In his spare time, Mr. Schwartz enjoys outdoor activities of all kinds, particularly hiking and rock climbing in Pennsylvania’s beautiful state parks with his two sons.
Education
- J.D., Dean's List, Temple University James E. Beasley School of Law, 2010
- B.A. in Economics with an Emphasis in Public Policy, University of Colorado, 2003
Bar Memberships
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
Court Admissions
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
- U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey
- U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
Affiliations
- Philadelphia Bar Association
- Pennsylvania Defense Institute
Clerkship
- Honorable Annette M. Rizzo of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas
- Honorable James J. Fitzgerald III of the Pennsylvania Superior Court
Representative Matters
- Successfully defended a demolition contractor in a complex case arising out of the alleged unlawful demolition of a warehouse in Philadelphia and the destruction or theft of contents within the warehouse, with a claimed value in excess of $10,000,000.00. The majority of Plaintiff’s claims were dismissed and the scope of recoverable damages was limited by the Court to an amount orders of magnitude lower than the initial claimed value.
- Obtained dismissal of defendant from several consolidated wrongful death and negligence lawsuits arising out of a Philadelphia building collapse. The Court dismissed the client from all cases on the grounds that it owed no duty to the injured or deceased Plaintiffs. After the client was dismissed, the case ultimately led to a nine-month trial, resulting in the largest settlement in Pennsylvania history.
- Successfully defended a contractor in a case arising out of a construction-site incident that resulted in an eight-figure settlement, achieving a result where the client paid nothing by way of settlement or judgment.
- In a premises liability case against a nationwide administrator of foreclosed properties, Mr. Schwartz was able to obtain early dismissal of the client on the grounds that it owed no duty to the plaintiff with respect to the claimed dangerous defect on the premises that allegedly caused the plaintiff’s significant injuries.
- Obtained summary judgment in favor of a property owner in a premises liability case involving significant facial injuries to the plaintiff.
- Obtained a defense award at binding arbitration in a case alleging fraud and statutory liability for the total loss of a vehicle the plaintiff purchased from the represented defendants.
News & Insights
Education
- J.D., Dean's List, Temple University James E. Beasley School of Law, 2010
- B.A. in Economics with an Emphasis in Public Policy, University of Colorado, 2003
Bar Memberships
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
Court Admissions
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
- U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey
- U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
Affiliations
- Philadelphia Bar Association
- Pennsylvania Defense Institute
Clerkship
- Honorable Annette M. Rizzo of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas
- Honorable James J. Fitzgerald III of the Pennsylvania Superior Court