The 2025 Bradley M. Cosgrove 1L Mock Trial Competition took place on May 16 at the University of Illinois, Chicago School of Law. Open to all 1L law students, the competition provides law students with the opportunity to showcase and test their legal knowledge and trial skills in a courtroom environment.
The annual competition honors Bradley Cosgrove, partner at Clifford Law Offices and a notable graduate of the University, who is recognized for his exceptional trial skills and reputation as a plaintiffs’ attorney. A long-time coach and sponsor of the annual mock trial program, Brad credits much of his success in the legal profession to the unique exposure he received through the program as a law student, gaining experience navigating complex trials and developing strong trial skills, including civil and criminal litigation, arbitration, negotiation, client counseling, and mediation.
“The UIC 1L competition is a launching pad for the next generation of great lawyers in Chicago. I’ve experienced firsthand how this mock trial teaches students to think on their feet, form compelling arguments, and build the confidence that serves them well into their careers.”
-Bradley M. Cosgrove, partner at Clifford Law Offices
With over a decade of experience at Clifford Law Offices, Brad has achieved numerous significant verdicts and settlements across complex and high-profile medical malpractice and personal injury cases. In 2024, Brad obtained a record $66 million judgment on behalf of a 39-year-old mother of four who bled to death following a negligent surgical procedure that went unnoticed. He was also part of a team that secured a $39.9 million record verdict on behalf of a 37-year-old man who was left permanently disabled due to the failure to address his apparent symptoms that could have prevented a stroke. In 2019, Brad was a member of the trial team that obtained a $101.6 million record verdict on behalf of a baby who suffered brain damage at birth when his external fetal monitoring strips were ignored for six hours at West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park, Illinois.
The firm congratulates the 2025 UIC Bradley M. Cosgrove 1L Mock Trial Competition winning team, led by coach and former Clifford Law Offices clerk Brady Christianson, who shared with Brad, “Great mentors produce great coaches,” in a full-circle moment that reflects the power of mentorship and the values Clifford Law Offices is proud to pass on to the next generation of lawyers.
Former Clifford Law Offices clerk Brady Christianson (center) coached his team to first place at the 2025 UIC Bradley M. Cosgrove 1L Mock Trial Competition.