Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2025 
David O. Barrett is a partner at Cooney & Conway LLP in Chicago, Illinois. He represents plaintiffs in personal injury litigation, with a focus on toxic tort cases involving asbestos and benzene exposure. He is admitted to practice in Illinois and before the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
David was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. He earned degrees in economics and philosophy from the University of Notre Dame before attending Loyola University Chicago School of Law. He joined Cooney & Conway as an associate attorney in 2007 and became a partner in 2023.
David has litigated asbestos cases in several jurisdictions, including Illinois, Michigan, and Delaware. He recently served as a trial attorney in Schoepke v. E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, a case brought on behalf of an Illinois farmer who alleged that he was unknowingly exposed to asbestos through his use of Remington shotgun shells, which incorporated asbestos wadding for decades. Following a two-week trial, a Delaware jury unanimously found in favor of the plaintiff and awarded $9,000,000 to compensate his estate and heirs.
Outside of his legal practice, David enjoys spending time with his wife and children. He serves on the Advisory Board of the Nanovic Institute for European Studies and regularly volunteers to mentor young and aspiring lawyers.
Best Lawyers has recognized David O. Barrett in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs since 2025. According to Best Lawyers, its recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers practicing in the same geographic region and legal field. The recognition reflects the professional regard expressed by other lawyers.
