why we built this firm
Karin Sweigart and Jesse Franklin-Murdock formed Sweigart Murdock, LLP, in 2026. With three decades of combined experience practicing law, they teamed up after years working on some of the country’s most important political, defamation, and civil rights cases together at one of the country’s best-known political law firms. They draw on their litigation background as well as their experience clerking in federal court and working on Capitol Hill to provide clients with powerful, yet agile, representation.
Karin and Jesse understand that litigation is a last resort where the stakes are incredibly high. If they can achieve their client’s objective cheaply and quickly, they will. Indeed, some of their biggest wins took only hours to achieve and deliberately escaped public attention. But when litigation is necessary, Sweigart Murdock, LLP does not hesitate to litigate aggressively.
At many law firms, clients pay for junior lawyers to draft the most important pleadings and for senior partners to rewrite them (or not). This approach costs clients time and money. At Sweigart Murdock, LLP, clients hire Karin and Jesse, and they get Karin and Jesse. They are committed to providing each of their clients with strong representation and wise counsel. They are not mercenaries who litigate cases and move on. Rather, they earn their clients’ trust by helping them navigate critically important disputes before becoming their clients’ trusted advisors.
Obtained complete dismissal of Alexander Vindman’s civil rights lawsuit against family members and associates of President Trump.
Won a million dollar jury verdict in defamation case against school on behalf of student wrongfully accused of blackface.
Secured a major settlement in a First Amendment case against a school board president and his father who compiled a dossier about parents and defeated the father’s defamation case in Arizona’s first evidentiary anti-SLAPP hearing.
Successfully defended a rising actress against a prominent Hollywood producer who sought a restraining order in an attempt to silence her. The court held the actress had a right to speak out and awarded her attorney’s fees and costs.
Defeated the California State Bar at trial on behalf of lawyer facing discipline for her tweets.
Secured a mid-six-figure pre-litigation settlement on behalf of a student who was falsely accused of sexual misconduct and facing indefinite suspension and potential dismissal before his name was cleared.
Negotiated a multi-million dollar settlement for a wrongfully terminated employee without filing a complaint.
Obtained published corrections from the Washington Post, Bloomberg News, and the San Francisco Chronicle.
Our Victories
“Karin Sweigart’s expertise in constitutional law was invaluable as she successfully helped us stand up to our school district and protect our kids’ educational opportunities.”
— Karin’s Past Client, Rebecca S.
“Jesse combines sharp legal skill with a rare level of empathy and professionalism. He was responsive, thoughtful, and always took the time to make sure I understood what was happening and what to expect at every stage. In a situation that could have been overwhelming, he brought clarity and calm.
As a professional who advises clients in high-stakes situations, I deeply value clear communication, sound judgment, and trust — and Jesse exemplifies all three.”
— Jesse's Past Client, Amanda Wray
“I can’t express how much we appreciated Karin’s help through a very difficult time for our family. We never would have gotten the positive outcome we did without her help.”
— Karin’s Past Client, Amie W.
“THANK YOU for defending my rights with vigor, professionalism, superior application of law, a successful outcome, and for the intangibles like diligence, listening, empathy and that unique feeling that I, as a client, actually matter. Ten thousand kudos to you!”
— Jesse's Past Client, Christopher B.
“When my private school falsely accused me of a racist act I didn’t commit, my reputation and my future were on the line. Karin Sweigart didn’t just see a case—she saw me. She fought for the truth through a two-month jury trial, and the jury agreed. I will always be grateful she was standing with me.”
— Karin’s Past Client, Holden H.
“Total Savage"
— Jesse's Client, Mike Davis (Former Chief Counsel for Nominations to Senator Charles Grassley, Former Law Clerk to Associate Justice Neil M. Gorsuch, Founder and President of the Article III Project)