Joseph P. Trunk

Joseph Trunk is an attorney at Simmons Hanly Cornoy, where he helps clients impacted by mesothelioma seek justice against the companies responsible for their illness.

In addition to fighting for the compensation his clients deserve, Joseph prioritizes building strong relationships with those he represents — guiding them through the legal process with care and compassion.

“To me, the most important part of the case is client communication,” said Joseph. “If a client’s case is assigned to me, they can be assured that I will be there whenever they need me to answer a question or address a concern.”

Fighting for Everyday People

Joseph decided to become an attorney because he believes everyone deserves access to the justice system, especially those harmed by corporate greed.

The majority of Joseph’s legal career has been dedicated to representing victims of negligent asbestos companies. For many of the individuals he works with, it’s their first time filing a lawsuit. He strives to provide them with support throughout every step of the process.

“I sit with clients, often at their kitchen tables, learning about their lives, families, and backgrounds to develop the facts of their case,” said Joseph. “It’s my responsibility to learn about each client so we can understand the nature of their asbestos exposures.”

He appreciates getting to know his clients on a personal level and building a strong relationship with them in order to best serve their needs and fight for justice on their behalf.

“I have a deep understanding of the complex factual, legal, and medical issues encountered in asbestos litigation. I am compassionate, understanding, and a fierce advocate for my clients,” explained Joseph.

He has successfully secured dozens of significant mesothelioma settlements for those he represents, allowing them to receive compensation without going to court.

In cases where a settlement is unable to be reached, Joseph is an experienced litigator and prepared to represent families during trial.

In 2022, he second-chaired a mesothelioma case to verdict in Cook County, Illinois, where the jury awarded a multimillion-dollar verdict to the family of a deceased pipefitter who worked at commercial and industrial facilities throughout Chicagoland.

Joseph is driven by the belief that every client deserves their day in court — and he’s committed to securing the results they deserve.

Background & Experience

In 2016, Joseph graduated from the ​​University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a degree in Agricultural and Consumer Economics.

From there, he went on to earn his J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

Before joining Simmons Hanly Conroy, Joseph worked at another firm representing individuals with mesothelioma in cases filed across the United States, including in Illinois, New York, and Missouri.

Outside of work, he also serves on the Legal Advisory Council of Triage Cancer. This nonprofit organization provides free resources and support to people navigating practical and legal issues after this diagnosis.