Katia J. Cortes

Katia is an eager and dedicated advocate who focuses her emerging practice in general tort defense, premises liability, construction injury, and municipal defense. During her time at the Firm, Katia has assisted with and attended depositions, written and argued dispositive motions, and assisted with trial preparation.

Katia was first introduced to the Firm during her Summer Associateship in 2022. During this experience, Katia immersed herself in the firm’s various and diverse practices, and armed herself with the knowledge to hit the ground running to start her professional career.

Katia graduated summa cum laude from the University of Illinois at Chicago Honor’s College, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with a concentration in Law and Courts. Katia then earned her Juris Doctor from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where she participated in various national Moot Court competitions. Katia also spent a semester as a Student Clinician at Loyola’s Legislation and Policy Clinic, while also serving as Senior Editor of Loyola’s Journal of Regulatory Compliance.

Additionally, Katia served as a Director for the Castillo Scholars Mentorship Program (named after Honorable Judge Ruben Castillo of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois), where she mentored prospective diverse law students in their journey to law school. Upon graduation, Katia was awarded the Public Interest and Leadership Award.

Katia grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, where she returns often to visit her family and childhood dogs. Outside of work, Katia currently serves as an attorney Mentor in the Castillo Scholars Mentorship Program. During her free time, Katia enjoys reading, learning to cook, and going on road trips.