Ms. Cook is 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 is 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. Since joining McKenna Storer, Sara has proven herself to be a formidable adversary who has litigated cases in state and federal trial courts and appellate courts throughout the country. She is also trained as a mediator for litigation matters. Business clients, particularly companies without an in-house legal staff, rely upon the general counsel services she provides to them.
As managing partner at McKenna, Ms. Cook brings to the position the same creativity and attention to detail that clients have 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 the practice of law. Her fellow attorneys and clients appreciate the humor, practicality and passion she brings to the practice of law.
Outside of the office, Ms. Cook is a proud and devoted parent of five sons, including two sets of twins, all of whom are now grown. She is active in the community as a CASA volunteer working with foster children and also gives freely of her time to her church. Ms. Cook is a passionate gardener who describes the flowers she grows as “an exercise in humility.” When she is not tending to her flowers, Ms. Cook enjoys painting and traveling.
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.
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.
Developed and deployed standardized SBA loan documents for commercial lending transactions that complied with SBA regulations, Illinois law and the law of local jurisdictions.
Defended accountant sued for malpractice in representing bankrupt entity that had been accused of fraud.
Represented a trustee in bankruptcy against fraud claims and claims of engaging in a fraudulent transfer in a bankruptcy.