For some, the decision to pursue a career in law is sparked by personal ambition or a defining life event. For others, it is inspired by family tradition—a shared passion for justice and advocacy that spans generations.
The 2025 Legal Legacy Special Issue of Attorney at Law Magazine celebrates lawyers who carry on their families’ legacies in the legal profession, highlighting the unique bonds, lessons, and inspirations that shape their journeys. From fathers and sons navigating different practice areas to entire families working side by side, these stories demonstrate how the law becomes more than a profession—it becomes a shared calling.
This post highlights one such legacy—22-year criminal defense attorney Janey Henze Cook, who has worked alongside her father, 52-year criminal defense attorney Tom Henze, for much of her career.
Q: What about your dad’s practice inspired you to pursue a career in the law?
Janey Henze Cook: I grew up watching my dad in court. He is masterful in the courtroom, enough to inspire anyone. I think I always knew I would follow in his footsteps.
Q: What are some of the traits or practices you see in your dad that you strive to emulate in your career?
JHC: Tom has the respect of his clients, his colleagues, the prosecutors, the judges and the juries alike. I think he does this by taking his cases seriously but not himself too seriously. I try to do the same.
Q: What are some of the best lessons your dad taught you?
JHC: Be nice to everyone! From the person working the court security booth to the judicial assistant to the judge—Tom’s most important rule is to be nice to everyone.
Q: what does it mean for you to have your dad in the office with you?
JHC: It has meant the world to me to practice with my dad. We have heated legal debates, and also many laughs. We have spent many long days and nights prepping for big hearings, and it’s so nice to be able to do that with a family member. There is a built in trust and each of us wants the other to succeed!
Click here to read the article published by Attorney at Law Magazine.
about our attorneys
Tom Henze represents clients facing commercial and white collar prosecution in federal and state courts. His extensive trial experience spans 50 years and includes cases involving allegations of public corruption, money laundering, fraud, computer tampering, arson, theft, assault, vehicular manslaughter, and capital and noncapital homicide.
Janey Henze Cook represents clients in white collar and non-white collar criminal cases arising out of felony and misdemeanor crimes, including fraudulent schemes and artifices, homicide, assault, theft, public corruption, drug offenses, gambling, prostitution, forfeiture, and offenses against public order. Janey has also represented media enterprises with respect to First Amendment constitutional issues, as well as represented elected officials in matters involving disclosure obligations and election laws.