Biography

Joseph Timothy Cook graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1963, and flew carrier-based fighters both on active duty and in the Reserves for twenty years. He graduated from George Washington University Law School in 1972, and was a trial attorney for the US Department of  Justice in both Washington DC and San Diego, defending civil actions against the US under the Federal Tort Claims Act for six years. In 1979, he joined the firm of Speiser Krause and opened their west coast office. During his service with Speiser Krause, Cook litigated many major commercial air  crash cases, and served on numerous plaintiff’s steering and trial committees. He has tried cases in CA, PA, FL, AZ, WA, and AK as well as participating in litigation in Thailand, Canada, Columbia, Brazil and Mexico. In February, 1988, Cook had the honor of arguing a case before the US Supreme Court [Finley v. United States 490 US 545 (1988)].

At the end of 2000, Cook retired from active practice, and focused his time on his family, as well as volunteering for community and faith-based activities. His greatest pleasures come from acting as an assistant coach for a high school baseball team, and spoiling  his grandkids.

In 2009, Cook was inspired to resume practice with the lawyers who formed this firm as they share his commitments and ideals. They are his friends and partners and he is excited about working with them

Professional Memberships and Associations

California State Bar
Virginia bar (inactive)
District of Columbia Bar (inactive)
Lawyer-Pilot's Bar Assn

Education

US Naval Academy, 1963
George Washington University Law School, 1972