Introduction
Clifford Law Offices, headquartered in downtown Chicago, has been recognized for decades as one of the nation’s premier personal injury and wrongful death firms. Founded in 1984 by Robert A. Clifford, the practice has grown into a nationally respected litigation powerhouse, known for representing clients in complex cases involving aviation disasters, medical malpractice, product liability, transportation accidents, and catastrophic injuries. Over the course of its history, Clifford Law Offices has recovered more than $5 billion in verdicts and settlements, including some of the largest in Illinois and across the United States.
The firm is led by Robert A. Clifford, a trial attorney frequently recognized among the most influential lawyers in Chicago and the country. Alongside him are highly accomplished attorneys such as Richard F. Burke, Jr., Susan A. Capra, Bradley M. Cosgrove, and Sarah F. King, who each bring significant trial experience and subject-matter expertise. With more than 35 attorneys and an extensive support staff, Clifford Law Offices has the resources to handle large-scale litigation while maintaining a client-centered philosophy.
Areas of Practice
Clifford Law Offices covers a wide spectrum of personal injury and complex litigation matters:
- Aviation Accidents – The firm has represented victims in nearly every major commercial airline crash in the United States over the past four decades, as well as numerous international cases. Its attorneys are currently handling claims from families affected by the Boeing 737 Max8 disasters and other catastrophic incidents.
- Medical Malpractice – Representation for patients harmed by negligent physicians, hospitals, and medical staff. The firm has secured record-setting verdicts, including a $101 million jury award for a baby who suffered permanent brain damage at birth due to malpractice.
- Construction Accidents – The attorneys represent workers and families impacted by construction negligence, unsafe scaffolding, falling objects, and violations of safety standards.
- Transportation Accidents – Clifford Law Offices litigates cases involving truck crashes, train derailments, and bus accidents, often involving multiple victims and high-stakes claims.
- Premises Liability – Slip and fall injuries, negligent security, and unsafe building conditions are part of the firm’s docket.
- Product Liability – The firm represents consumers injured by defective products, dangerous drugs, and faulty medical devices.
- Wrongful Death – Survivors of fatal accidents rely on Clifford Law Offices to pursue justice, financial compensation, and accountability.
- Class Actions and Mass Torts – The attorneys lead and participate in large-scale litigation against corporations, ensuring that consumers and injured groups can pursue collective justice.
This breadth of practice has earned the firm national recognition and the trust of clients facing some of the most serious cases imaginable.
Case Results
Clifford Law Offices has achieved some of the largest verdicts and settlements in U.S. history, including:
- $1.2 billion recovery for property and financial loss claims arising from the September 11 terrorist attacks.
- $180 million settlement in a grain elevator explosion case.
- $110 million verdict for victims of an airline crash.
- $101 million verdict for a newborn who sustained brain damage due to medical malpractice.
- $100 million recovery following a commercial building fire.
- $52.5 million settlement in a major personal injury case.
- Numerous multimillion-dollar verdicts in transportation, aviation, and medical malpractice litigation.
These results demonstrate both the scale and complexity of cases handled by the firm, underscoring its reputation for achieving groundbreaking outcomes.
Legal Philosophy
Clifford Law Offices embraces a philosophy of serious cases, exceptional results, preparing each case with the expectation that it may be tried before a jury. The attorneys emphasize meticulous preparation, aggressive advocacy, and a commitment to maximizing client recovery.
The firm operates on a contingency fee model, allowing clients to pursue justice without financial risk. Clifford Law Offices also collaborates with leading experts worldwide—engineers, medical professionals, economists, and accident reconstructionists—to provide robust support for every claim.
Another hallmark of the firm’s philosophy is its dedication to public policy change. Clifford Law Offices frequently pursues litigation not only to secure compensation but also to drive regulatory improvements and safety standards that prevent future tragedies.
Recognition
Clifford Law Offices is consistently recognized among the top law firms in the United States, with accolades including:
- Named one of the Top 50 Elite Trial Firms in the country by the National Law Journal.
- Ranked in the U.S. News & World Report Best Law Firms guide with first-tier rankings in aviation, medical malpractice, and product liability.
- Attorneys listed annually in Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers Illinois.
- Recipient of the Elite Trial Lawyers Award for medical malpractice from The National Law Journal.
- Founder Robert Clifford repeatedly named Illinois’ No. 1 Super Lawyer and one of Chicago’s most influential figures.
These honors reflect the firm’s leadership not only in Illinois but also on a national scale.
Client Experience
Clifford Law Offices is widely respected for its client-centered approach. Testimonials describe the attorneys as compassionate, responsive, and relentless in their pursuit of justice. Clients emphasize the firm’s ability to explain complex legal matters in clear terms and maintain open lines of communication throughout lengthy litigation processes.
The firm is also known for treating clients as part of its extended family. Attorneys frequently travel to meet clients, provide personalized support, and ensure that victims and their families feel heard during every stage of litigation. Clifford Law Offices’ reputation for combining courtroom strength with human compassion has made it a trusted advocate for families facing life-changing events.
Offices and Contact Information
Clifford Law Offices is headquartered in Chicago’s Loop:
- Main Office:
Clifford Law Offices
120 North LaSalle Street, 36th Floor
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: (312) 899-9090
Consultations are free, and the firm accepts clients nationwide in aviation and complex litigation cases.
Website:
www.cliffordlaw.com
Conclusion
Clifford Law Offices stands as a national leader in personal injury and wrongful death litigation. With more than $5 billion recovered, a record of groundbreaking verdicts, and a philosophy rooted in trial readiness and public policy reform, the firm has reshaped both the legal and safety landscapes in Illinois and beyond. Its attorneys combine technical excellence with client-centered compassion, ensuring that every case receives the attention and resources it deserves.
For families and individuals facing catastrophic injuries or losses, Clifford Law Offices offers both the courtroom power and personal dedication necessary to achieve justice and meaningful results.