Kathy Byrne, daughter of former Chicago Mayor Jane Byrne, passed away on August 8, 2023, at Rush University Medical Center due to complications from surgery to remove a blood clot. Suffering from lung cancer, Kathy’s death marks the end of a significant epoch for both her family and the city of Chicago.
Professional Achievements
Born and raised in the Sauganash neighborhood, Kathy Byrne followed in her mother’s formidable footsteps by pursuing a career in public service, albeit through the legal profession. Earning her law degree from Loyola University, Kathy became a partner at Cooney & Conway, a law firm specializing in plaintiff litigation.
Her legal practice was particularly noted for its focus on asbestos litigation. “You realize that the only reason (companies) took this hideous, insidious product out of things was because lawyers brought lawsuits,” she once remarked, highlighting her advocacy for victims of asbestos exposure.
“Besides being a good lawyer, she had a very good idea of the nuances of public policy and elections,” Kevin Conway, her law partner, said of Byrne.
Civic Contributions
Kathy’s commitment extended beyond the courtroom into the realm of civic duty. She played an active role in politics, co-chairing Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza’s 2019 mayoral campaign and co-hosting fundraisers for Joe Biden. Moreover, Byrne was a staunch defender of her mother Jane Byrne’s legacy, becoming an influential voice in local politics.
Kathy Byrne, the daughter of former Chicago Mayor Jane Byrne and an influential trial attorney in Chicago has died. https://t.co/UTZ8V4IhHT
— Chicago Tribune (@chicagotribune) August 12, 2024
Recognition and Legacy
Byrne’s contributions were widely recognized. She was the second woman elected to lead the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and established a scholarship at Loyola University. Byrne was also passionate about encouraging young women lawyers to seek leadership roles, embodying the pioneering spirit of her mother.
“She encouraged a lot of young women attorneys that they could become leaders in the bar,” her colleague Kevin Conway noted.
Personal Reflections and Memorable Moments
Kathy Byrne initially aspired to be a political journalist, inspired by Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein. However, a book on the asbestos industry changed her career trajectory, leading her to focus on asbestos litigation. “I stayed up until 3 in the morning reading it,” she recalled, realizing the urgent need to advocate for public health in the courtroom.
Her passing has elicited reflections on her career and the vibrant life she led. Her son, Willy Vogt, remembered her as a hard worker dedicated to justice for regular people. Services, including a visitation and Mass, are scheduled for August 15, 2023, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Chicago.
Closing Thoughts
Kathy Byrne’s life and career leave an indelible mark on the legal and civic communities of Chicago. Her relentless pursuit of justice, coupled with her encouragement for younger generations, ensures her legacy will endure. As she once said, “Her greatest legacy to me was that there is no ceiling,” a message that will continue to inspire.
“Her greatest legacy to me was that there is no ceiling,” Kathy Byrne said in a post on the website of her Chicago law firm, Cooney & Conway. “You talk about a glass ceiling, but I’m unaware. I’m sure there probably is one, but I’ve never felt there was anything that I could possibly be prohibited from doing.”
