Kathy Byrne Dies at 66

Kathy Byrne, a name synonymous with legal acumen and dedication to justice, has passed away at age 66, marking the end of an influential legacy.

At a Glance

Kathy Byrne was an influential Illinois trial attorney specializing in asbestos litigation.
She was the only child of Chicago’s first female mayor, Jane Byrne.
Kathy Byrne passed away at 66 on Aug. 8 at Rush University Medical Center due to complications from surgery to remove a blood clot.
She had been suffering from lung cancer.

A Life Rooted in Legal Excellence

Kathy Byrne was a renowned trial attorney who carved out an impressive niche in asbestos litigation. She began her legal career after earning her law degree from Loyola University and quickly made a name for herself in the courtroom. She became a partner at Cooney & Conway and was the second woman elected to lead the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association.

Kathy Byrne, trial attorney and daughter of city’s first female mayor, dies at 66

Her achievements include numerous multi-million-dollar jury verdicts and settlements for clients harmed by asbestos. Kathy devoted much of her practice to this cause, relentlessly criticizing the government’s inaction on asbestos dangers.

Kathy Byrne, the only child of Chicago’s first female Mayor Jane Byrne and successful trial attorney, died Thursday of lung cancer at 66. https://t.co/DYsbOfHi74

— Chicago Sun-Times (@Suntimes) August 10, 2024

A Mother’s Legacy Upheld

Kathy was the only child of Jane Byrne, Chicago’s first female mayor. Raised in the Sauganash neighborhood by her mother, Kathy reflected on Jane’s legacy, emphasizing that she felt no limitations on what she could achieve. Former Gov. Pat Quinn remembered her pride in the Jane Byrne interchange, fiercely guarding her mother’s legacy.

Byrne stated that her mother showed her that there was no ceiling or limitations, and that she could achieve whatever she put her mind to.

Kathy Byrne also played a key role in local politics, co-chairing Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza’s 2019 mayoral campaign and supporting Joe Biden’s presidential campaign. However, she chose not to run for elected office.

Kathy Byrne obituary in the @chicagotribune with comments from Pat Quinn, Susana Mendoza, Kevin Conway and her son, Willy Vogt: Kathy Byrne, trial attorney and daughter of city’s first female mayor, dies at 66. https://t.co/qYuP6B2ZvS

— Gregory Royal Pratt (@royalpratt) August 12, 2024

Personal and Professional Impact

Throughout her life, Kathy Byrne encouraged younger women lawyers to seek leadership roles. She established a scholarship at Loyola University and spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Jane Byrne Interchange in 2022.

Kathy also encouraged all who knew her to take their work personally and still maintain a sense of humor.

Her son, Willy Vogt, currently a law student, remembered her dedication to justice. Kathy’s passing, due to complications from surgery to remove a blood clot, followed a prolonged battle with lung cancer. Services will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with visitation and Mass scheduled to honor her legacy.

Kathy Byrne was more than a trailblazer for Chicago women in law. She reached out to help countless candidates as they struggled to start their public careers. We have lost one of our best. https://t.co/R0QpCjaZqZ

— Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin) August 12, 2024