Introduction
Clifford Law Offices is one of Chicago’s most distinguished plaintiff law firms, widely recognized for handling high-stakes personal injury, wrongful death, aviation, and complex litigation cases. Founded in 1984 by Robert A. Clifford, the firm has become a national leader in trial advocacy, with more than $5 billion recovered for clients through verdicts and settlements. For over four decades, Clifford Law Offices has earned a reputation for its relentless pursuit of justice, its readiness to take cases to trial, and its ability to confront powerful corporations, insurance companies, and institutions on behalf of injured individuals and families.
Led by Robert Clifford—frequently named Illinois’s top trial lawyer—the firm includes more than 20 seasoned attorneys with extensive courtroom experience. Clifford Law Offices is especially renowned for its role in major aviation disaster litigation, including representation of families in nearly every major commercial airline crash in recent U.S. history. Alongside aviation work, the firm maintains a robust practice in medical malpractice, product liability, transportation accidents, and complex commercial disputes.
Areas of Practice
Clifford Law Offices provides representation in a wide variety of practice areas, including:
- Aviation Litigation – Representation for families impacted by airline disasters and private aviation accidents. The firm has served as lead counsel in numerous international aviation cases.
- Medical Malpractice – Cases involving surgical errors, birth injuries, anesthesia mistakes, delayed diagnoses, and hospital negligence.
- Construction Accidents – Representation for workers and families in scaffolding collapses, equipment failures, and OSHA violations.
- Transportation Accidents – Litigation involving car crashes, truck accidents, train derailments, and bus collisions.
- Premises Liability – Injuries from unsafe property conditions, negligent security, or structural defects.
- Product Liability – Claims involving defective consumer goods, medical devices, and industrial products.
- Wrongful Death – Advocacy for surviving families pursuing justice for fatal accidents and negligence.
- Commercial and Class Action Litigation – Representation in complex disputes involving consumer fraud, business litigation, and mass torts.
This broad scope allows Clifford Law Offices to serve clients facing both catastrophic individual losses and large-scale corporate negligence.
Case Results
Clifford Law Offices has secured record-setting verdicts and settlements, including:
- $1.2 billion recovery for financial losses in litigation arising from the September 11 terrorist attacks.
- $110 million verdict for victims of an aviation crash.
- $101 million medical malpractice verdict for a child who suffered permanent brain injury at birth.
- $100 million settlement following a commercial building fire.
- $52.5 million settlement in a catastrophic injury case.
- Numerous multimillion-dollar verdicts in transportation and aviation cases across Illinois and nationwide.
These results reflect the firm’s ability to manage complex, high-value litigation and achieve justice at the highest levels of trial practice.
Legal Philosophy
Clifford Law Offices operates on a philosophy of trial readiness and public accountability. Every case is prepared to go before a jury, which not only strengthens outcomes at trial but also compels defendants to negotiate from a position of seriousness. The firm prioritizes thorough investigation, collaboration with technical experts, and evidence-based advocacy.
The attorneys work on a contingency fee model, meaning clients pay no fees unless the firm secures financial recovery. Beyond compensation, the firm is known for pursuing litigation that drives broader policy change, particularly in aviation safety and healthcare standards.
Recognition
Clifford Law Offices and its attorneys have earned widespread recognition, including:
- Named among the Top 50 Elite Trial Firms by the National Law Journal.
- Ranked Tier 1 in U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” in aviation, medical malpractice, and product liability.
- Robert A. Clifford repeatedly listed as the No. 1 lawyer in Illinois by Super Lawyers.
- Attorneys included in Best Lawyers in America and honored with the Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers designation.
- Recipient of the Elite Trial Lawyers Award for medical malpractice.
These accolades underscore the firm’s consistent excellence and leadership in personal injury and trial law.
Client Experience
Clients describe Clifford Law Offices as compassionate, responsive, and thorough. Testimonials highlight the attorneys’ ability to explain complex issues in clear terms, maintain frequent communication, and treat clients with empathy during difficult times. Many families emphasize that the firm provided not only financial relief but also accountability against negligent corporations and institutions.
The firm has developed a reputation for balancing aggressive courtroom strategy with a genuine commitment to client care, building lasting trust with individuals and families across Chicago and beyond.
Offices and Contact Information
Clifford Law Offices operates from its headquarters in downtown Chicago:
- Main Office:
Clifford Law Offices
120 North LaSalle Street, 36th Floor
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: (312) 899-9090
The firm offers free consultations and accepts clients nationwide in aviation and catastrophic injury cases.
Website:
www.cliffordlaw.com
Conclusion
For more than forty years, Clifford Law Offices has been a pillar of trial advocacy in Illinois and the United States. With billions recovered, landmark verdicts, and a philosophy grounded in courtroom excellence, the firm has consistently demonstrated its ability to handle the most complex and catastrophic cases.
By blending world-class trial skills with compassionate client service, Clifford Law Offices continues to be a trusted advocate for individuals and families seeking justice after life-altering tragedies.