Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, has long been recognized as one of the most influential trial lawyers in Chicago and nationwide. In 2025, Forbes once again honored Bob’s leadership and achievements by selecting him for its America’s Top Lawyers list, a recognition reserved for attorneys whose work has influenced landmark cases, high-stakes litigation, and shaped the future of legal thinking.
For over 40 years, Bob Clifford has built a career marked by righting the heaviest wrongs through record-setting verdicts, groundbreaking aviation litigation, and dedicated advocacy on behalf of victims of catastrophic negligence. He has represented families in nearly every major U.S. commercial airline crash since 1979 and currently serves as Lead Counsel in the federal litigation over the 2019 Boeing 737 MAX8 crash. His work has not only secured justice for thousands of clients and families worldwide but has also led to significant policy changes in aviation safety and consumer protection.
A dedicated supporter of legal education, Bob has consistently promoted dialogue among global legal scholars and practitioners that advances the legal profession. For 18 years, he has spearheaded free continuing legal education programs through Clifford Law Offices, facilitated the annual Clifford Symposium on Tort Law and Social Policy at DePaul University College of Law for over 30 years, and provided leadership in organizations including the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, the Chicago Bar Association, and the Chicago Inn of Court.
Bob’s reputation among peers and clients alike is reflected in the numerous accolades he has received. In addition to once again being honored by Forbes, he has been recognized by Super Lawyers for over 30 years, named the #1 Illinois Super Lawyer for a record 13 years, and ranked among the state’s Top 10 since 2005. He has also been listed by Best Lawyers in America® for over three decades, received the National Law Journal Lifetime Achievement Award, and earned the Judge Joel Flaum Award for Excellence in the legal profession, among many others.
“It is a great privilege to represent people who have suffered tremendous loss and to pursue accountability on their behalf. Forbes’ recognition is a testament to the decades of work I have dedicated to fighting for justice and the trust our clients place in us.”
-Bob Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices
The Forbes editorial team selected the 2025 America’s Top Lawyers honorees through a thorough review of case histories, peer respect, and leadership in the legal field. Bob’s inclusion emphasizes both his career achievements and his lasting impact on the practice of law in Illinois and across the country.
Click here to view the complete list of recipients.