Joseph D. Cook

Partner, Gallagher & Kosner Law, LLC

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Joseph (“Joe”) D. Cook is a seasoned trial attorney who brings a combination of prosecutorial, government, and military legal experience. His career has been defined by working in high-stakes criminal prosecutions and complex civil litigation, giving him a wealth of experience handling cases at the highest levels which will immensely help the injured individuals Joe represents.

Before entering private practice, Joe served as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, where he gained extensive courtroom experience handling violent crime, narcotics, and gang-related prosecutions. He tried 24 felony jury trials, 83 felony bench trials, and authored 29 criminal appellate briefs. He led long-term, multi-agency gun trafficking investigations involving the FBI, DEA, ATF, Chicago Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies. His work earned him a Cook County Crime Commission Award.

Joe’s litigation experience extends beyond criminal prosecution into complex civil matters at both the state and federal level. As a Principal Attorney for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, he represented and advised a major public entity across a wide range of legal matters including high-exposure litigation across multiple forums including State Courts, Federal Courts, Appellate Courts and many Administrative agencies. In addition to his civilian career, Joe has served in the United States Air Force JAG Corps for 14 years. He currently holds the rank of Major and is presently assigned to the Wisconsin Air National Guard.

Joe’s transition to representing injured individuals is a natural evolution of his career and an opportunity to return to his roots of representing victims. Joe approaches litigation with the mindset that cases are won through preparation and execution. His background in prosecution, government defense, and military law allows him to anticipate opposing strategies, identify vulnerabilities and aggressively develop litigation plans that position cases for maximum value. He is known for his ability to manage complex factual records and present clear, compelling arguments in the courtroom.

Joe is actively involved in the legal and local community and serves in leadership roles in charitable, civic, and youth athletic organizations. Joe served as the elected 41st Ward Democratic Committeeperson (2020-2024) where he was the 41st Ward’s representative to the Cook County Democratic Party.

Bar Admissions

• State of Illinois
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois

Education

• University of Illinois Chicago Law School (Chicago, IL) - J.D. 2006
• Elmer Kissane Scholarship Award
• Lucy Sprague Scholarship Award
• Columbia University (New York, NY) - B.A. 2001
• Varsity Football (4 years) - All-Ivy Linebacker (2000), Iron Man award (2000)
• Loyola Academy (Wilmette, IL) – 1997
• National Honors Society, First Honors all 8 semesters, Student Council Representative
• Varsity Football, Wrestling, Baseball – Captain & MVP of Varsity Football & Baseball
• Inducted into Loyola Academy Sports Hall of Fame in 2018

Professional Associations

• Chicago Bar Association – Chair of the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee (2025-26)
• Northern District of Illinois Federal Trial Bar, member
• Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA)
• Federal Bar Association, member
• American Bar Association, member
• Catholic Lawyers Guild, Board of Governors (2026)
• Loyola Academy Bar Association – Chair of the Steering Committee (2021-2026)
• Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago – Director
• American Legion Post 541, Post Officer (2015-2026)