Sara E. Cook
Deceased (1953-2022)
Sara Cook was the Managing Partner of McKenna Storer. Sara encouraged all attorneys and staff to be forward looking, especially by embracing technology to better serve the clients. She built a firm culture that focused on understanding each client first and providing creative cost-effective solutions and trusted counsel. Her affable demeanor belied the fact that she was a tough and client-oriented litigator and negotiator.
Biography
Ms. Cook was the managing partner of McKenna Storer while also remaining active representing clients in a number of areas of law, including transportation law, appellate practice and procedure, professional liability defense, insurance defense, banking, and complex commercial and business litigation. She was also involved in bankruptcy and bankruptcy litigation on behalf of debtors and creditors.
Sara Cook began her career as an appellate attorney after serving as law clerk to the Honorable Mark McCormick, a justice of the Supreme Court of Iowa. After joining McKenna Storer, Sara proved herself to be a formidable adversary who litigated cases in state and federal trial courts and appellate courts throughout the country. She was also trained as a mediator for litigation matters. Business clients, particularly companies without an in-house legal staff, relied upon the general counsel services she provided to them.
As managing partner at McKenna, Ms. Cook brought to the position the same creativity and attention to detail that clients had learned to appreciate about her. For example, she was among the first attorneys at McKenna to embrace the use of computers because she saw the important role they would eventually play in the practice of law. Her fellow attorneys and clients appreciated the humor, practicality and passion she brought to the practice of law.
Outside of the office, Ms. Cook was a proud and devoted parent of five sons, including two sets of twins, all of whom are now grown. She was active in the community as a CASA volunteer working with foster children and also gave freely of her time to her church. Ms. Cook was a passionate gardener who described the flowers she grew as “an exercise in humility.” When she was not tending to her flowers, Ms. Cook enjoyed painting and traveling.
Memberships
- Federal Seventh Circuit Bar Association
- McHenry County Bar Association
- Small Claims Mediation Program, panel mediator
- Woodstock Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Highlights
Illinois Super Lawyer 2014, 2015 through 2021
Litigation Counsel of America – designated as Proven Trial Lawyers Fellow
Services
Education
- University of Iowa, with Honors, B.A., 1975
- Loyola University of Chicago School of Law, J.D., 1980
- DePaul University Center for Dispute Resolution, Certificate of Professional Achievement in Mediation Training, 2003
Admissions
- State of Illinois
- USDC — District of Illinois
- USDC — Northern District of Illinois
- USDC – Eastern District of Michigan
- USDC – Eastern District of Wisconsin
- USCA – 7th Circuit
- USCA – 10th Circuit
- USCA – 11th Circuit
- US Tax Court
Matters
Employment Litigation — Employment Law
Defense of various religious organizations and other not-for-profits, as well as group residential treatment/living facilities, related to claims of sexual abuse based upon negligent hiring, retention or supervision of employees.
Defense of Insured Real Estate Brokerage Firm — Malpractice Defense
Successfully defended real estate brokerage in lawsuit brought by seller of large commercial building who alleged claims of deceptive trade practices, fraud and failure to disclose. Secured directed verdict at trial in favor of the McKenna client.
SBA Lenders — Business Services
Developed and deployed standardized SBA loan documents for commercial lending transactions that complied with SBA regulations, Illinois law and the law of local jurisdictions.
Defense of Accountant — Malpractice Defense
Defended accountant sued for malpractice in representing bankrupt entity that had been accused of fraud.
Defense of Trustee — Bankruptcy-Creditor
Represented a trustee in bankruptcy against fraud claims and claims of engaging in a fraudulent transfer in a bankruptcy.
Publications
The Uniform Mediation Act: Illinois Newest Privilege (February 2004)
Courts Are Beginning to Permit Excess Insurers to Maintain Malpractice Against Their Insured’s Attorneys (Fall, 1998)
D&O Liability and the Year 2000: A Repeat of the 1980s? (1998)
An Excess Insurer’s Right to Maintain a Malpractice Against the Insured’s Attorney: An Undecided Issue in Illinois (1997)
The procedural Relationship Between Truth-In-Lending and Creditor Contract Claims (1981)
Attorney-Client and Husband-Wife Marital Privilege (1979)
Presentations
- Instructor, “Risk Management Through Your Attorney’s Eyes” Masters Program, National University of Health Sciences, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
- 2007 IDC Young Lawyers Association Luncheon – Basics of Mediation.
- 2008 IDC Basic Skills Seminar – Basics of Mediation
Blog Posts and Articles
- Passing of Sara CookIt is with great sadness that we announce that Sara Cook, our Managing Partner, died suddenly on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital in Huntley, Illinois. Her husband, Richard, was at her side in the hospital. Sara had a distinguished legal career. She received a B.A. degree in political science and social… Read more: Passing of Sara Cook
- Comings and Goings at McKenna StorerWe are very pleased to announce that we have added four new attorneys to our staff. Don Sowers a seasoned medical malpractice and general liability trial lawyer has joined us as senior trial counsel. Don has tried many cases to verdict and knows his way around the courtroom. Tracy McGonigle, of counsel has returned to… Read more: Comings and Goings at McKenna Storer
- McKenna Storer Firm Pizza NightTo celebrate the partial return to the office, the Firm enjoyed a night of making pizza from scratch (with much assistance) at Guild Row in Chicago. The evening not only featured pizza making and socializing, but a pizza trivia quiz that resulted in Jim DeNardo winning a lovely pizza themed blanket. This was our first… Read more: McKenna Storer Firm Pizza Night
- IDC Survey of Law – Jim Cook ContributionEven though we regrettably had to say good bye to Jim Cook who joined the Illinois Attorney General, before he left he contributed to the Survey of Law put out by the IDC concerning toxic torts. The Survey is a very comprehensive look at multiple areas of tort law and can be found here.
- Discharge And The Fresh Start: What Does It All Mean?The fourth blog in a four part series about filing for a Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy. By Sara E. Cook A discharge of most debts will be granted if you meet the requirements under the Bankruptcy Code and no one is objecting to the overall discharge, or the discharge of a specific debt. It… Read more: Discharge And The Fresh Start: What Does It All Mean?
- Petition Date And Post Petition: What Happens Now?The third blog in a four part series about filing for a Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy. By Sara E. Cook By the time you file the Petition, the Petition Date, you have elected one of two possible Chapters under the Bankruptcy Code, either Chapter 7 or 13. By filing the Petition, under either chapter,… Read more: Petition Date And Post Petition: What Happens Now?
- You Need To File Bankruptcy: What Do You Take To The Lawyer And What Will Happen At The Attorney ConsultationsThe second blog in a four part series about filing for a Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy. By Sara E. Cook Having made the decision to file for bankruptcy, known as seeking protection from creditors, you need to work with your attorney to get the case prepared for filing. The filing that you will make… Read more: You Need To File Bankruptcy: What Do You Take To The Lawyer And What Will Happen At The Attorney Consultations
- COVID-19, Job Loss, Too Many Bills: Is Bankruptcy The Solution For You?The first blog in a four part series about filing for a Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy. By Sara E. Cook Often when a large corporation files for bankruptcy, you will hear that it is the right business decision, it gives them a chance to right size, change direction, get rid of unprofitable businesses and… Read more: COVID-19, Job Loss, Too Many Bills: Is Bankruptcy The Solution For You?
- COVID 19 Pandemic-Notice To Insurers-Who To Notify And WhenThe landscape of insurance coverage in this era of the COVID-19 Pandemic is likely to change as insurance lawsuits are being filed to determine scope of insurance coverage. Meanwhile, in direct response to COVID-19, several states are attempting to modify Commercial General Liability (CGL) Insurance policies through legislation to provide coverage, particularly business interruption insurance,… Read more: COVID 19 Pandemic-Notice To Insurers-Who To Notify And When
- COVID –19 Relief Programs For Small BusinessesDifferent programs are available to assist small businesses during this COVID-19 disaster which has swept the country. Small businesses employ over 50% of our employed workers, and are straddled with great challenges in trying to navigate this crisis. Various sources are being developed to help small businesses, which may make the difference between survival and… Read more: COVID –19 Relief Programs For Small Businesses
- When to Report a Legal Malpractice Claim to the ARDCThere may be a double “whammy” in being a legal malpractice defendant. In addition to being a defendant, the plaintiff may be obligated to report you to the Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) if the alleged malpractice misconduct violates Rules 8.3(a), 8.4(b) or (c) of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct (“Rules”). This mandatory… Read more: When to Report a Legal Malpractice Claim to the ARDC
- Statute of Repose: An Unexpected Benefit Especially for Transactional LawyersIn Evanston Insurance Co. v. Riseborough, the Illinois Supreme Court, in a divided opinion, declared that the six year statute of repose for attorneys in Illinois applies to anyone seeking to sue an attorney on any basis arising out of the attorney’s professional work. 5 N.E. 3d 158, 166-67 (Ill. 2014). This ruling cut a… Read more: Statute of Repose: An Unexpected Benefit Especially for Transactional Lawyers
- Top rated law firm receives BBB Accreditation with A+ ratingTop rated law firm, McKenna Storer, is proud to announce its designation as a Better Business Bureau Accredited Business with the highest possible review rating of A+. This recognition comes with the right to display the BBB Accredited Business badge on the firm’s website.
- 2016 Annual HotTopics Series AnnouncementOur team of lawyers regularly host educational workshops and events to keep businesses and professionals abreast of industry hot optics and regulatory impacts. Our Second Annual HotTopics Series is Coming! Annual HotTopics Series Join us for breakfast and learn about hot issues that face small businesses everyday! This year we will meet on three Thursday… Read more: 2016 Annual HotTopics Series Announcement
- Woodstock Office AnniversaryMcKenna Storer celebrates its first anniversary in its new offices in Woodstock. Our Woodstock office provides a full range of services for insurers, businesses, and individuals in the collar counties.
- Small Business Hot Topic SeriesThe Small Business Hot Topic Series kicks off on Thursday, September 3, 2015 (Data Privacy and Cyber Insurance) with additional series presentations on Thursday, September 10 (Employment Hot Topics) and Thursday, September 17 (Navigating Bankruptcies of Customers, Employees and Vendors). The conferences are free and complimentary breakfast will be served. Join us at our new… Read more: Small Business Hot Topic Series
- Call to Reserve Your Spot for the Small Business Hot Topics SeriesCall to reserve your spot for the Small Business Hot Topics Series. Complimentary breakfast served while we discuss emerging issues in data privacy and cyber insurance- September 3; employment issues-(Did you know there at least 15 different statutes requiring different types of compliance?) September 10; and bankruptcy issues when employees, vendors or clients file bankruptcy… Read more: Call to Reserve Your Spot for the Small Business Hot Topics Series
- Small Business “Hot Topics” SeriesPlease join us for our Small Business “Hot Topics” Series” on the following dates: September 3, 2015 7:30 AM -8:45 AM Data Security and Risks *Data Privacy-why is it important? *Cyber Insurance-Do we need it? *Does our current insurance protect us? September 10, 2015 7:30 AM -8:45 AM Employment Hot Spots *Hiring, Firing… Read more: Small Business “Hot Topics” Series
- Data Management and Privacy LawAlison Harkins will be a featured speaker at the John Marshall Privacy Law Spring Symposium entitled “Legal Problems in Data Management: IT and Privacy at the Forefront” on April 10, 2015 at the John Marshall Law School. Alison has spent years counseling clients on all facets of these emerging issues which touch every phase of… Read more: Data Management and Privacy Law
