Cooney & Conway stands out as one of Chicago's most established plaintiff-side personal injury law firms, with a particular focus on asbestos litigation and mesothelioma cases. Since opening their doors in 1958, this firm has built a reputation that extends far beyond Illinois, representing clients nationwide in some of the most complex mass tort and catastrophic injury cases.

The firm operates from a single headquarters at 120 N LaSalle Street, Suite 3000 in Chicago's Loop district. Their team consists of 24 attorneys who bring decades of collective experience to the table. What sets them apart from many personal injury firms is their strict plaintiff-only policy – they represent individuals exclusively, never corporations or insurance companies. This commitment shapes everything from their case selection to their litigation strategies.

When it comes to practice areas, Cooney & Conway has carved out a distinctive niche. Asbestos exposure cases form the backbone of their practice, with the firm having represented victims since 1973. Their work spans mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and other asbestos-related diseases. The firm maintains an extensive database of asbestos manufacturers and products, which proves invaluable when building cases for clients who may have been exposed decades ago. Beyond asbestos litigation, they handle catastrophic injuries, wrongful death claims, product liability cases, and have recently expanded into sexual abuse litigation.

The firm's track record speaks volumes about their capabilities. They've recovered over $7 billion for clients throughout their history, with thousands of cases settling for more than $1 million each. Notable achievements include an $875 million settlement against Pfizer after five years of litigation and a $200 million consolidated asbestos settlement that was, at the time, the largest in Illinois history. Partner John Cooney served as chairman of multiple asbestos bankruptcy committees, helping secure over $20 billion for victims through these proceedings.

Recognition from the legal community reinforces their standing. The firm has earned Tier 1 rankings from U.S. News & World Report's Best Law Firms in both Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions and Personal Injury Litigation for plaintiffs in the Chicago region. Multiple attorneys have been named to Super Lawyers and Leading Lawyers lists, with Kevin Conway being recognized as one of Illinois's top 10 personal injury attorneys by his peers. The firm has also received Best Law Firms recognition for multiple consecutive years.

Their approach to client representation differs from the volume-based model many personal injury firms follow. Rather than passing cases between departments, Cooney & Conway assigns dedicated teams that work with clients from initial consultation through resolution. This continuity allows attorneys to develop deep understanding of each case's nuances. The firm offers both virtual and in-person consultations nationwide, accommodating clients who may be dealing with serious health issues.

The consultation process begins with a free case evaluation where attorneys assess the circumstances of injury, treatment history, and potential defendants. For asbestos cases specifically, they investigate exposure history using their proprietary database and historical references. The firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay nothing unless they recover compensation. This arrangement aligns the firm's interests directly with their clients' outcomes.

Contact options include their toll-free number (800) 322-5573 and an online form on their website. While the site doesn't list specific business hours, the presence of a dedicated intake system suggests they handle inquiries promptly. The firm maintains an active blog covering topics relevant to their practice areas, from early mesothelioma symptoms to step-by-step guides for filing injury claims.

What truly distinguishes Cooney & Conway is their longevity combined with specialization. While many firms dabble in asbestos litigation alongside dozens of other practice areas, Cooney & Conway has made it a cornerstone of their practice for over 50 years. This depth of experience becomes particularly valuable when dealing with diseases that can take 20 to 50 years to manifest after exposure. Their involvement in major asbestos bankruptcy proceedings has given them insights into manufacturer liability that newer firms simply can't match.

For potential clients facing mesothelioma or other serious injuries, Cooney & Conway offers a combination that's increasingly rare: boutique-firm attention with big-firm resources. Their Chicago base doesn't limit their reach – they regularly handle cases across the United States, leveraging technology to minimize disruption to clients' lives. The firm's commitment to representing only individuals ensures that every case gets the attention it deserves, rather than being treated as just another file number in a massive caseload.

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