Brian Joseph Cooke

Asbestos attorney Brian Cooke joined Simmons Hanly Conroy in 2004 and today is one of the firm’s shareholders. He previously served two tours of duty with the United States Marine Corps after graduating from University of Missouri Columbia’s School of Law.

In the Marine Corps, Brian traveled around the world and served as both a prosecutor and company commanding officer. During his final year of active duty, Brian served in Baghdad as a legal adviser to the Iraqi Ministry of Justice. He was the first Western attorney to appear and argue before the Central Criminal Court of Iraq, a judicial body comprised entirely of Iraqi nationals. His responsibilities included prosecuting crimes involving terrorism, political corruption and organized crime. Recently the St. Louis Bar Association awarded Brian the 2011 Spirit of Justice Award for his military service and his continuing pro bono work to help veterans.

Brian grew up in St. Louis in a family of judges and attorneys. Both parents are veterans of Vietnam. Joining the military and becoming a lawyer was a natural fit for Brian. Throughout his legal career, Brian has represented the underdog, including Iraqi citizens who endured years of tyranny and U.S. veterans suffering from PTSD and other service-related injuries. Today he focuses on asbestos cancer victims who were harmed through no fault of their own.

“When you get to know our clients and their families, hear their stores and how they came about becoming exposed to asbestos and diagnosed with cancer, you know you’re sticking up for the little guy,” he said.