earlier this year, Chicago--and the entire legal world--lost a giant. John Devitt Cooney, Sr., a titan of trial law, passed away at the age of 68. He was a skilled litigator who used his brilliant legal mind, charm, quick wit, and sense of humor to help everyday ``Davids'' in the never-ending battle against corporate ``Goliaths.'' John may have been born for the role. His father, Robert Cooney, Sr., served in World War II, returned home--GI benefits in hand--and attended Loyola University School of Law in Chicago. When he graduated from law school, Robert worked in the Cook County State's Attorney's Office before setting up a successful personal injury firm. John followed suit. Born and raised in Oak Park, IL, John graduated from Fenwick High School and went on to attend Georgetown University for his undergraduate studies. During his years at Georgetown, he briefly worked on Capitol Hill. It was the 1970s: an era of disco, tie-dye, and Watergate. While John may not have been all that interested in politics at the time, his experience on Capitol Hill enhanced his interest in the law. John finished his studies at Georgetown and moved back to Illinois to attend Loyola University School of Law in Chicago. His first job out of law school was as a Cook County Assistant State's Attorney, just like his father, where he worked within the Felony Trial Division. It was a formative experience for John.…
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