Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claims
Brian Cooke is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and partner at Simmons Hanly Conroy, one of the nation’s largest mass tort firms. He has dedicated over 20 years to fighting for justice on behalf of his clients and their families, including many veterans harmed through no fault of their own.
“There’s no dollar value that can replace what victims have lost. I can’t give them their health back, but I have the tools to hold those responsible accountable for their decisions and give my clients some type of peace that their families will be provided for.“
Brian graduated from the University of Missouri School of Law in 1999. After finishing law school, he completed two tours of duty with the U.S. Marine Corps as both a prosecutor and a company commanding officer.
During his service, Brian worked in Baghdad as a legal advisor to the Iraqi Ministry of Justice. He prosecuted crimes involving terrorism, political corruption, and organized crime, and he was the first Western attorney to appear and argue before the Central Criminal Court of Iraq.
In 2004, Brian joined Simmons Hanly Conroy, where he became an advocate for hardworking Americans who developed preventable illnesses from exposure to toxic substances. Brian was promoted to partner at the firm, due in part to his unwavering commitment to his clients.
“No one is going to compensate victims out of the kindness of their hearts. You have to fight for people’s rights and be their voice.”
Brian strives to keep the legal process as simple as possible for veterans and their families, so they can spend more time focused on their health and loved ones.
His approach is very hands-on, and he always makes himself available to answer any questions or concerns his clients may have.
“Every client gets my card and I make sure to run a pen right underneath my cell phone number before I hand it to them. They are not just allowed to call me; they are encouraged.”
Brian has helped countless Americans who have been impacted by toxic exposures pursue the justice they deserve — while also dedicating his time to provide pro bono legal services to veterans in his community.
The Fellows of the St. Louis Bar Association recognized Brian’s military service and his support of other veterans by awarding him the Spirit of Justice Award, which celebrates those who have demonstrated integrity and leadership through their administration of justice.
Brian has also earned the distinction of “Super Lawyer,” a title given to top attorneys across the country.
Brian grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. Both of his parents were U.S. military veterans, and he decided to follow in their footsteps after completing his undergraduate degree at Spring Hill College in Alabama and his law degree at the University of Missouri School of Law.
Throughout his legal career, Brian has represented the underdog, including Iraqi citizens who endured years of tyranny, mesothelioma patients who developed cancer after being exposed to asbestos, and veterans suffering from service-related injuries like PTSD.
Brian is a member of the American Trial Lawyer Association and the American Association for Justice.