Victor E. Schwartz, a prominent figure in tort law and public policy, passed away on July 28, 2025, at the age of 85. As the founder and co-chair of Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP’s Public Policy Group, Schwartz was instrumental in shaping product liability law and civil justice reform.
Schwartz’s legal career was marked by a commitment to integrating litigation, government affairs, and public relations. His work significantly influenced the development of public policy aimed at improving the civil justice system. He was frequently sought after by major media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and The New York Times, for his expertise in legal matters. His appearances on programs such as “Oprah” and “60 Minutes” further underscored his role as a leading voice in legal reform.
Before joining Shook, Hardy & Bacon in 2001, Schwartz served as a professor and dean at the University of Cincinnati College of Law. His academic contributions include co-authoring “Prosser, Wade and Schwartz’s Torts,” the most widely used torts casebook in the United States, and authoring “Comparative Negligence,” a leading text in the field. In recognition of his contributions, the University of Cincinnati established the Professor Victor E. Schwartz Chair in Tort Law in 2012.
In the public sector, Schwartz chaired the Federal Inter-Agency Task Force on Product Liability and the Federal Inter-Agency Council on Insurance at the U.S. Department of Commerce. He was the principal author of the Uniform Product Liability Act and the Federal Risk Retention Act, earning the Secretary of Commerce’s Award for Professional Excellence for his efforts.
Schwartz’s influence extended to the American Law Institute (ALI), where he was a life member and served as an advisor for various Restatement (Third) of Torts projects. His dedication to the ALI was exemplified by a $1 million gift to the Institute’s Second Century Campaign in 2021, aimed at supporting the organization’s future endeavors.
Colleagues remember Schwartz not only for his professional achievements but also for his mentorship and sense of humor. Madeleine McDonough, chair of Shook, Hardy & Bacon, described him as “a singular force – a passionate advocate, an innovative scholar and a gifted communicator, not to mention a dear friend and a trusted colleague.” Partner Mark Behrens noted that “every conversation with Victor was a teaching moment, whether about the law or life in general, and always ended with a funny story or spot-on impression of some public figure.”
Schwartz’s legacy as a legal innovator and mentor leaves an indelible mark on the legal community, influencing both the practice and teaching of law for generations to come.