With much sadness, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP announces the death of equity partner Bruce S. Terlep. Mr. Terlep, a partner in the firm’s Lisle, Ill. office, passed away suddenly last week.

Mr. Terlep practiced with Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP since the firm’s inception in 1992. He served as national counsel for numerous global auto manufacturers for over two decades. Mr. Terlep was frequently asked to handle matters across the country in state and federal courts, litigating matters in approximately 30 jurisdictions and going to trial in more than 15 states. In addition, Mr. Terlep regularly counseled clients on legislative and statutory compliance concerning consumer-related issues.

A resident of Naperville, Mr. Terlep was born October 29, 1958 in Elkhart, Indiana. He graduated magna cum laude from DePauw University in 1981 and from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 1985, where he was Phi Beta Kappa. He joined the firm of Wildman, Harrold, Allen and Dixon out of law school, and then was one of the 13 attorneys who left the Wildman firm to found Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP on June 1, 1992.

“The entire Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP family is grieving with Bruce’s family at his untimely passing,” said Timothy G. Nickels, managing partner of the firm. “Bruce was an excellent lawyer, a unique force for his clients, particularly in the field of automotive warranty litigation all across the country. Bruce also cared deeply about the firm, especially the lawyers and staff in our Lisle office, and most of all, his wife Ginger and his three sons and daughter-in-law. We will miss our friend and partner Bruce very much.”

Visitation will be Thursday, May 11, 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church Ministry Center in Naperville. Mass of Christian Burial for family and friends will be celebrated Saturday, May 13, at 9:30 a.m. at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Terlep’s memory may be made to Families Helping Families, 825 Lyndhurst Court, Naperville, IL 60563.