Thomas K. Prindable was destined to be a great listener to people’s problems. As a young man, for 12 years he pursued the priesthood, reaching the final stages as a deacon in the seminary in the Roman Catholic Church in Chicago. Then, just months before he was to be ordained, he decided life held different roads for him to follow. Instead, he chose law, graduating from the Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago-Kent College of Law in 1973 because he thought it was another field in which he could help the greatest number of people. That’s just what he does every day as Managing Partner at Clifford Law Offices. He’s the hub for all those who initially call the law firm for help. “One of my more pleasant tasks is to personally meet with most of the new clients to ensure that their files are opened as accurately and expeditiously as possible.” Tom said. “I inform them of the office and court procedures that will follow in the handling of their causes of action.”

As part of his busy work schedule, Tom also administers the legal staff. “My main objective is to provide the most effective and satisfying environment for the cases of the clients to be completed successfully and efficiently.” Tom leads The Call, an office-wide meeting, every day at 4:30 p.m., and is reminded of television shows like L.A. Law when he sits down at the large mahogany table in the large conference room. “It’s a time when I ensure that every court call, deposition, client interview and any other calendar event for the next day is covered,” Tom said. “It is a special time as well when the lawyers get to discuss significant legal issues each day, map out case strategy and develop collegiality.”

Tom says he enjoys his work immensely because of the number of people he can help each day. “By being in charge of the intake process at the firm, I ensure that every person who contacts Clifford Law Offices has access to an attorney to discuss a possible cause of action.” Tom then sees to it that every inquiry is followed up with either a phone call, an office conference, a review of documentation or all of the above. The firm consistently relies on Mr. Prindable's experience in probate matters, a critical area in tort law when the victim is deceased or disabled and requires the appointment of a guardian in a pending or anticipated lawsuit to protect the family’s interests. Tom also routinely and successfully handles complex professional malpractice matters in many jurisdictions.

Aside from his taking the time every day to explain the legal process to those in need, he has been recognized by others for his generous giving of his time. He received the inaugural IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law Outstanding Pro Bono Service Award given to a Chicago-Kent alumnus for his/her dedication to pro bono service throughout his career. The law school presented the award to him recognizing his involvement in public interest law at its Fourth Annual Public Interest Awards Night on April 21, 2011. In particular, he was honored for his outstanding contribution in starting the guardian ad litem program that helps the disabled and elderly through the Chicago Volunteer Legal Services (CVLS).Mr. Prindable was honored by Legal Aid Online in February, 2008, as its Pro Bono Attorney of the Month for his helping create and establish this most worthy program. In 2007 Clifford Law Offices received special recognition, the “Distinguished Service Award,” from CVLS for its outstanding contribution to pro bono legal services in starting this guardian ad litem program that increases access to the probate justice system for the disabled and elderly. Mr. Prindable accepted the award on behalf of the firm for heading up the program at the firm.