Robert Clifford

Robert A. Clifford is the founder and senior partner of Clifford Law Offices, a Chicago-based personal injury firm recognized for handling complex catastrophic injury and wrongful death litigation. Since establishing the firm in 1984, Clifford has led a team known for its depth of talent, substantial resources, and relentless advocacy for individuals and families harmed by negligence. Under his leadership, the firm has recovered over $5 billion in verdicts and settlements. Widely respected as a global leader in aviation litigation, Mr. Clifford has represented families in every domestic commercial crash since 1979. He currently serves as Lead Counsel in the federal litigation stemming from the 2019 Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 MAX8 crash and represents families involved in the 2025 UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville and the January 2025 mid-air collision over the Potomac River between an American Eagle regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. Clifford Law Offices is known for handling high-profile aviation disasters, holding major corporations accountable, and pursuing policy changes that protect the public. Among Clifford’s notable achievements is a $29.6 million verdict for internationally acclaimed violinist Rachel Barton following a Metra train incident. He also served as lead negotiator in the $1.2 billion settlement of 9/11 property damage claims and helped secure a $35 million verdict for a woman dragged by a truck. Clifford has been featured in The Best Lawyers in America since the publication’s inception and has been named “Lawyer of the Year” in Chicago in multiple practice areas. Super Lawyers has ranked him the number one lawyer in Illinois for 13 years, including 2026. He has also received numerous national honors and has held leadership roles in organizations, including the Chicago Bar Association, the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, and the American Bar Association.