Overview

The lawyers at Clifford Law Offices represent years of practice in the area of personal injury law including aviation, transportation, medical malpractice and product liability law. The largest personal injury law firm based in Chicago concentrating on plaintiffs’ personal injury and wrongful death law, Clifford Law Offices’ attorneys have hundreds of years of combined experience. Some of the partners have held leadership positions within various bar associations on the local, state and national level. Every member of the firm upholds the highest principle of the legal profession in placing the individual client first. The firm often is said to set the standard in professional excellence. Moreover, it is important to note that as a result of the litigation handled by the firm, many defective products and dangerous practices have been changed or abandoned altogether.

The National Law Journal named Clifford Law Offices one of the 50 Elite firms in the country, and they are the only firm in Chicago to be given this distinction. The National Law Journal also named the firm as one of the 10 Top Litigation Boutiques in the country in 2013. With over 20 Chicago personal injury lawyers, Clifford Law offers experienced counsel in a wide range of critical practice areas:

  • Personal Injury
  • Wrongful Death
  • Maritime Law / Maritime Litigation
  • Medical Malpractice and Hospital Negligence
  • Medical Devices and Pharmaceutical Litigation
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Transportation Liability
  • Railroad Accidents
  • Truck Accidents and Injuries
  • Product Liability
  • Construction Liability
  • Premises Liability
  • Qui Tam / Whistleblower
  • Pelvic Mesh / Mass Torts
  • Natural Gas Explosions
  • Aviation Litigation
  • Commercial Aviation Liability
    Founded:
    1984
    Size:
    28
    Magnifying glass with star icon
    Practice Areas:
    8
    Person outline with Best Lawyers logo
    Best Lawyers Recognized:
    18

    Rankings

    National

    Tier
    1
    National Ranking
    Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs
    Tier
    1
    National Ranking
    Railroad Law
    Tier
    1
    National Ranking
    Transportation Law
    Tier
    3
    National Ranking
    Commercial Litigation

    Regional

    Chicago

    Tier
    1
    Chicago
    Aviation Law
    Tier
    1
    Chicago
    Commercial Litigation
    Tier
    1
    Chicago
    Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs
    Tier
    1
    Chicago
    Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
    Tier
    1
    Chicago
    Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
    Tier
    1
    Chicago
    Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs

    About Our Clients

    Clifford Law Offices is exclusively a plaintiffs’ law firm. Since 1984, the firm has established a reputation that has now become one of national, if not international, significance in the area of plaintiffs’ litigation. The firm sets itself apart in its standard of excellence in securing the nation’s top experts on a matter and then taking a case all the way to trial, if necessary, so that the client feels that justice has been achieved. From lawsuits dealing with high-rise safety to train protocol, from airline safety standards to the regulations governing the construction of porches and scaffolding.

    Clifford Law Offices, headed by senior partner Robert Clifford, has been involved in a number of high-profile cases that impact Chicago and beyond. Many times the lawyers go that extra step in trying to secure equitable relief for a client, such as the family who lost a son to binge drinking at Northwestern University. The parents wanted the university to become part of the Red Watch Band program whereby students would be trained to watch for students who became victims of binge drinking and report it to authorities, without consequences to the student, so that lives could be saved. Northwestern finally agreed to become part of the program and it has spread to colleges and universities across the country.

    The firm also has become part of No Texting and Driving to make the roads safer, particularly for teenagers. In 2010, before No Texting and Driving became a law in Illinois, Clifford Law Offices sponsored a program at a local high school where driving simulators would be shipped from school to school so that new drivers could see the effects of alcohol when driving. Illinois’ Secretary of State Jesse White along with state legislators and other local leaders took part in the day’s event along with the Illinois Governor proclaiming it STATIC Day – Stop Texting And Talking in Cars.

    A young woman was trapped in a high rise years ago, and despite her calls for help in a burning building, she died of smoke inhalation. Her family turned to Clifford Law Offices that also saw to it that changes were made in the 911 response system to vanity addresses, as her parents insisted her death could not be in vain.

    More recently, when the tragic news of eight young women suffering injuries, some of them permanent and crippling, in a horrific collapse in Rhode Island at the Ringling Brothers Circus, seven of them reached out to Clifford Law Offices, halfway across the country, to represent them in their greatest time of need. Many of them are from foreign countries and English is not their first language, yet they turned to Clifford Law Offices after learning of our dedication to helping those who need quality representation.

    Highlighted Client Comments

    These featured testimonials reflect a sampling of client experiences. As every legal matter is unique—comments are personal opinions, not guarantees of future results.
    Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
    I have worked with Clifford Law Office as co-counsel and have had the privilege of referring them complex litigation matters. They are second-to-none in a variety of areas.
    Kevin Frost

    Rankings

    National

    Tier
    1
    National Ranking
    Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs
    Tier
    1
    National Ranking
    Railroad Law
    Tier
    1
    National Ranking
    Transportation Law
    Tier
    3
    National Ranking
    Commercial Litigation

    Regional

    Chicago

    Tier
    1
    Chicago
    Aviation Law
    Tier
    1
    Chicago
    Commercial Litigation
    Tier
    1
    Chicago
    Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs
    Tier
    1
    Chicago
    Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
    Tier
    1
    Chicago
    Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
    Tier
    1
    Chicago
    Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs
    Tier
    1
    Chicago
    Professional Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
    Tier
    1
    Chicago
    Railroad Law
    Tier
    1
    Chicago
    Transportation Law
    Tier
    3
    Chicago
    Bet-the-Company Litigation

    Practice Areas

    Clifford Law Offices has been ranked by Best Law Firms for excellence in 10 specialties, reflecting the firm's commitment to delivering outstanding legal services.
    Additionally, the firm provides services in these practice areas:
    • Aviation Litigation
    • Bet-the-Company Litigation
    • Construction Law
    • Consumer Protection Law
    • Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs
    • Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
    • Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
    • Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs

    Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®

    Clifford Law Offices proudly has 18 lawyers recognized for their outstanding professional performance in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. This peer-reviewed honor highlights individual excellence and directly qualifies the firm for consideration in the prestigious Best Law Firms rankings. For over four decades, Best Lawyers has been the gold standard for recognizing top legal talent, serving as the cornerstone for Best Law Firms awards. Learn more about our rigorous Best Lawyers research and selection process.
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    Client Comments

    A strong relationship between a client and their law firm is key to achieving the best possible outcomes. Open communication, trust, and collaboration ensure that attorneys understand each client’s unique goals and needs. Choosing the right firm means finding a team with the experience, knowledge, and dedication to guide you through every stage of the legal process.
    Client comments reflect personal opinions and individual experiences. Every case is different, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. Past results and testimonials do not guarantee similar outcomes in future matters. For personalized legal advice, consult directly with an experienced attorney who can evaluate your specific situation and provide tailored guidance.
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    Firm News

    Spinning circle
    June 4, 2024
    Robert Clifford Receives National Law Journal’s 2024 Elite Trial Lawyers Lifetime Achievement Award
    Read Article Robert Clifford Receives National Law Journal’s 2024 Elite Trial Lawyers Lifetime Achievement Award
    May 20, 2024
    Chicago Bar Association Honors Bob Clifford with Inaugural Champion of Justice Award
    Read Article Chicago Bar Association Honors Bob Clifford with Inaugural Champion of Justice Award
    January 25, 2024
    Robert A. Clifford Ranked #1 in 2024 Illinois Super Lawyers List
    Read Article Robert A. Clifford Ranked #1 in 2024 Illinois Super Lawyers List
    December 5, 2014
    Firm News at Clifford Law Offices
    Read Article Firm News at Clifford Law Offices

    Awards

    Clifford Law Offices is honored to be recognized for excellence by Best Law Firms and other leading legal industry organizations. Our rankings and awards reflect the dedication, skill, and results our attorneys deliver across a wide range of practice areas. In addition to our Best Law Firms awards, Clifford Law Offices has earned accolades from respected national and regional publications for outstanding legal service and professional achievement. Explore our awards below to learn more about how Clifford Law Offices continues to set the standard for quality legal representation.

    Offices & Contacts

    Chicago, IL
    120 North LaSalle Street, 36th Floor
    Chicago, IL 60602
    United States
    Communications Partner
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