Shawn Varghese is an associate attorney at The Cook Group’s St. Louis, Missouri office. Shawn’s practice areas include toxic tort litigation, product liability, and general civil defense. Prior to joining The Cook Group, he worked with the Illinois State legislature, assisting the Speaker at the Illinois House of Representatives and other state representatives with their legislative initiatives. Shawn also has experience in other practice areas such as criminal defense, expungement and sealing of criminal records, workers’ compensation, and Medicare compliance. Shawn has defended individuals, insurance companies, and employers in front of various courts and administrative agencies.

Shawn received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Illinois – Chicago and his J.D. from DePaul University College of Law. While in law school, he served as the student director of DePaul’s Neighborhood Legal Assistance Project which served indigent communities in Chicago by addressing and helping them navigate their diverse legal issues. Shawn, with other students, restarted the DePaul branch of Asian Pacific American Law Student Association and served as Vice President to create a space for Asian and Pacific American law students to grow professionally and network with practicing attorneys from their respective communities. Shawn also assisted both juveniles and adults navigate the complex criminal expungement and sealing process. Shawn has been acclaimed for his extensive pro bono work and was recognized by the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice as an Access to Justice Student Leader.

Shawn is committed to the defense of his clients in any matter and ready to address client needs in a prompt and concise manner.