Michael J. Cox

Michael J. Cox is a seasoned trial attorney and Partner at Goldberg & Goldberg, LLC, where he has built a distinguished career representing plaintiffs in complex, high-stakes litigation. Trained under the mentorship of Barry D. Goldberg, Michael has served as lead trial counsel on cases resulting in more than $83 million in verdicts and settlements, including a $25 million jury verdict he secured along with his mentor Barry Goldberg (second chair) and another attorney with the firm at the time. 

In the case of White v. Advocate Condell Medical Center & Ronald Shenfeld M.D, Michael represented a father and son who lost their wife and mother due to the negligence of a defendant physician and the staff of the defendant hospital.  Prior to trial, the defense refused to make any form of settlement offer but instead insisted that the actions of their own clients were 100% defensible.  Acting as lead trial counsel in a highly complex case involving the failure of the defendants to timely diagnose and treat a life-threatening pulmonary embolism during a brief emergency room admission, Michael prepared, presented, deposed, examined and cross-examined most of plaintiffs’ expert witnesses as well as the defendant Physician and defense expert witnesses.  Additionally, Michael prepared and delivered opening statement, closing argument on liability and rebuttal during the nearly 3-week trial.  Vitally, Michael also continuously safeguarded the record against reversible error that proved critical when the defense appealed the verdict, challenging a vast array of the trial judge’s rulings and the jury’s decision in favor of Michael’s clients. Two years later, the Illinois Appellate Court unanimously affirmed the verdict, soundly rejecting all defense claims of error and upholding the jury’s decision. The ruling not only preserved the original $25 million award but resulted in many millions more for his clients in pre and post judgement interest.

In addition to his role as lead trial attorney in many cases over the span of his career, Michael has also provided critical litigation and trial support to his partners in a multitude of other cases that have produced substantial recoveries for the firm’s clients.

Michael is widely respected not only within the Plaintiff’s Bar, but also by judges and opposing counsel before and with whom he has practiced throughout his career. His reputation reflects a combination of meticulous preparation, charismatic presentation, civility, unwavering professionalism, and the three i’s result proven trial lawyers such as Michael must possess and deliver in the courtroom when trying a case before any jury– both legal and human instinct, intuition and insight.

Michael focuses his practice on medical negligence, including catastrophic birth injuries, wrongful death, surgical errors, and misdiagnosis, as well as serious personal injury matters involving automobile and trucking collisions, public transportation, construction accidents, premises liability, and product liability.  If his client has been injured because of negligence or fault of another, there simply is no case too big or too small for Michael, for it’s the client he represents and the inherent desire to right wrongs that has always driven him and continues to do so.

Known for his innovative and forward-thinking trial approach, Michael prepares every case as if it were tried to verdict. His practice philosophy emphasizes ethical, aggressive, and result-driven advocacy, always grounded in a deep respect for the human story underlying each case.

Above all, Michael is a compassionate and dedicated advocate. He represents individuals and families facing devastating, life-altering loss and injury, and he places a premium on clear client communication, understanding, involvement, protection and perseverance.

Throughout his career, Michael has lectured physicians, nurses, and law students on the complexities of medical negligence litigation. Over his 30+ year career, he has deposed and prepared hundreds of expert witnesses, argued thousands of motions, and tried many cases involving brain injury, wrongful death, and hospital and physician liability to successful verdict.

In a legal community rich with talent, Michael’s commitment, preparation, and undeniable results have and continue to set him apart. As one opposing counsel once remarked, “We know we have to prepare differently when he shows up.”.

Awards

• Super Lawyer 2014 – 2017