Daniel Cozzi
Donohue Brown Mathewson & Smyth
Medical malpractice and mass tort defense

Dan Cozzi is known for his drive to win.  He made his mark as a standout pitcher at the University of Chicago before going on to play professional baseball in Italy.  Now, he brings his competitive spirit to work for his clients as a partner at Donohue Brown Mathewson & Smyth. 

Cozzi—who has significant experience in neurosurgical, birth injury and medical device litigation—has already established a record of winning results in big cases. One example? Cozzi represented a medical practice group in a mass tort action in Cook County in which 60 patients sued the group for negligently destroying their sperm, which was stored in a cryogenic freezer. 

Cozzi successfully prosecuted third-party actions against the freezer manufacturer, component part manufacturers and a service company. Though the odds were stacked against his client, Cozzi obtained a significant recovery for the medical practice group. 

Cozzi is currently representing Cook County and the Cook County Treasurer's Office as lead counsel in litigation filed by multiple plaintiffs in federal court. This is another complex case, in which the plaintiffs are making constitutional challenges to the mass appraisal practices of the Cook County Assessor. 

Cozzi's peers aren't surprised that he gets tapped to take on big cases. His command of the facts, 24-hour dedication to his clients and presence in the courtroom give him the edge that clients seek. 

"Dan is a meticulous researcher and tenacious advocate for his clients," said Chicago attorney Frank Tuzzolino. "Yet he displays a genuine humility that is refreshing in today's world. He can disagree with you without being disagreeable."

While his courtroom record is impressive, Cozzi has gotten many of his cases dismissed on dispositive motions prior to trial. That ability is part of what makes him valuable to clients like Julia Lynch, vice president and senior associate general counsel at Northwestern Medicine. 

"I regularly tap Dan for assistance in cases with complex legal issues because he has a talent for written advocacy. Dan is a good counselor in the truest sense of the word; he has excellent instincts and is wise beyond his years.” Lynch said. "His advice has always been practical, timely and legally sound."

When not representing his clients, Cozzi gives back to his community. He volunteered at the Midtown Educational Foundation, tutoring underprivileged grade-school students. He also volunteers for the University of Chicago, mentoring undergraduates interested in a career in law. This summer, he stepped back on the diamond to help coach his son’s baseball team.

"Dan stands out for his professionalism and civility," said Ted Jennings, attorney with Chicago's Coplan + Crane. "Dan is a defense-oriented attorney and a strong advocate for his clients, but he always exhibits great respect for the process and the participants in that process. Dan is always well-prepared and exhibits a calm, professional demeanor that is a credit to him, his firm and the judicial system."