Philip P. Terrazzino

He’s only been in private practice for about four years, but Philip Terrazzino, after a stint clerking for a judge in the Circuit Court of Cook County, has already crafted a reputation as a shrewd litigator and committed advocate for his clients.

Terrazzino’s record includes a $267,000 verdict on a willful and wanton conduct case against the Chicago Board of Education; a $214,000 verdict against Advocate Health and Hospitals Corp.: a $212,000 verdict in a car crash case, and several multimillion-dollar settlements. That’s only a small example, though, of Terrazzino’s successes. This plaintiff’s personal-injury specialist has earned many more victories for his clients.

His peers have taken notice and predict even more successes in this young attorney’s future.

“Phil is an outstanding young attorney,” said Kenneth Lumb, attorney with the Chicago law firm Corboy & Demetrio. “He did an exceptional job as a staff attorney for a Cook County motion judge adroitly handling a 1,900-case portfolio and drafting clear and concise orders, memoranda and opinions.”

John Callahan, judge with the Circuit Court of Cook County’s Law Division, worked often with Terrazzino, who supported the judge in his courtroom motion work. Callahan said that Terrazzino never failed to impress him with his legal knowledge, common sense and strong work ethic. Callahan said that he was not surprised to learn that Terrazzino was recruited by Chicago law firm Tomasik Kotin & Kasserman.

“Phil has achieved great success in his private practice,” Callahan said. “He is a determined advocate for his clients.”

Callahan participated in two pretrial settlement conferences with Terrazzino, one in which the young attorney was able to reach a favorable settlement in a difficult case involving a minor. Again, Terrazzino did nothing but impress.

“Phil came to each pretrial conference fully aware of the strengths and weaknesses of each case,” Callahan said. “Although I have not had an opportunity to preside over one of Phil’s jury trials, I am aware of the skill he has brought to bear in achieving great success in his trial work to date.”

Anne Couyoumjian, with Chicago’s Hinshaw & Culbertson, said that Terrazzino has a record of obtaining top results for his clients even when difficult facts and complex issues threaten his cases. The reason for Terrazzino’s enviable record? Preparation, in-depth legal knowledge and the willingness to do everything it takes to best represent his clients.

“His attention to detail and deep knowledge of the law when making oral arguments in court or taking depositions show his clear dedication to his clients and strong legal abilities,” Couyoumjian said.

During one of Terrazzino’s major cases, he was so persuasive that the defendants agreed to a seven-figure settlement for his client.

Terrazzino is also a leader in the legal community. He has lectured on issues of civil practice, trial practice, discovery and ethics, sharing his insights at IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, The Chicago Bar Association Tort Litigation Committee, the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and in front of other organizations.

He’s given his time and talents to other civic organizations, too. Terrazzino is a member of the Little Italy Chicago Neighborhood Association and the Urban Initiatives Board. He is also active with Holy Family Church, where he is a member of the finance committee.

“Phil is a lawyer’s lawyer,” said Tim Cavanagh with Chicago’s Cavanagh Law Group.

Cavanagh cites Terrazzino’s past experience, including the work he did for the IRS, Bank of America and Merrill Lynch before he enrolled in law school, as giving this attorney a unique outlook on the practice of law.

“Phil is an impressive young man,” Cavanagh said. “No doubt, his experiences have helped propel him to the top of the list for future young stars in this profession. Phil Terrazzino will be one of those lawyers at the top of the plaintiff’s field in the next generation.”