Kevin P. Durkin is a nationally recognized personal injury attorney and partner at Clifford Law Offices with a 45-year track record of achieving groundbreaking results. He has successfully represented clients in transportation accidents, premises liability, and medical malpractice, and is especially known for his work in international aviation litigation, as well as his involvement in nearly every major commercial airline crash over the past four decades, often serving as lead counsel.
Four Decades of Record-Breaking Results
Throughout his prolific career, Mr. Durkin has handled over 100 cases that resulted in verdicts or settlements exceeding $1 million, including some of the largest verdicts recorded in Illinois. Among those record-breaking cases is a $35 million settlement Mr. Durkin secured in 2018 on behalf of a 24-year-old woman who was severely injured when a truck struck her and dragged her for 60 feet at a Chicago street corner. This settlement is regarded as a record in Illinois for any verdict or settlement involving a pedestrian.
His other notable results include:
- $112 million verdict for two men injured in a grain bin explosion; honored with a Trial Lawyer Excellence Award.
- $38.3 million verdict for a mother and two children in a truck-car collision — recognized as the largest transportation verdict in the country in 2005.
- $24 million verdict for a young boy struck by a speeding CTA bus.
- $22.75 million wrongful death verdict for a woman whose husband died in a crash on I-294—then the largest Cook County wrongful death verdict in a decade.
- $16 million verdict for two minors killed in a grain bin — an Illinois record outside Cook County, for which he was honored with a Trial Lawyer Excellence award.
- $9 million verdict on behalf of a man who lost an arm and his spleen in a rail tragedy involving the Chicago and Illinois Midland Railroad, following a three-week trial in federal court in central Illinois.
- $7.5 million verdict was obtained on behalf of a man who suffered permanent brain damage from an automobile accident. The case resulted in the largest personal injury verdict in South Dakota.
- $14.2 million verdict was obtained on behalf of a Boy Scout who was permanently brain-damaged following a car accident.
High-Profile Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Cases
Throughout his career, Mr. Durkin has been at the forefront of some of the most high-profile and complex personal injury and wrongful death cases in Illinois and nationwide. He served as co-counsel in the high-profile case of violinist Rachel Barton, who was severely injured by a commuter train. The case resulted in a $29.6 million verdict after a month-long trial.
In another highly publicized case, Mr. Durkin secured a $10 million settlement on behalf of a suburban police officer who was severely injured when a speeding hearse ran a red light and struck him during a routine patrol. The case drew media attention because of the so-called “black box” discovered in the hearse, which revealed the vehicle’s speed at the time of the incident and contradicted the driver’s initial police statement.
Mr. Durkin was instrumental in seeking justice for the victims of the devastating 2003 Cook County Administration Building fire, which resulted in six deaths and injured sixteen others. As the lead plaintiffs attorney, his unwavering commitment to justice and relentless pursuit of accountability culminated in a $100 million settlement and prompted public safety reforms in Chicago’s 911 and fire response systems.
Outside of Illinois, Mr. Durkin also represented several men who were severely burned in a power plant explosion in Hammond, Indiana, recovering multi-million dollar settlements on behalf of the injured workers.
Leader in Aviation Accident Litigation
Mr. Durkin is a leading authority in aviation litigation. His practice encompasses a wide range of aviation-related cases, including commercial airline crashes, helicopter accidents, product liability claims, and general aviation matters. His blend of deep legal knowledge and tireless work ethic has made him a powerful force in the fight for justice and accountability in aviation disasters. In 2025, Mr. Durkin was recognized as the “Lawyer of the Year” for Aviation Law in Chicago by Best Lawyers®, a prestigious honor he has held for three years.
Among his many aviation case results, Mr. Durkin was part of the plaintiffs’ team that negotiated a $110 million settlement for several families in the American Airlines Flight 4184 crash in Roselawn, Indiana. He also served as one of three members of the Management Committee leading the complex litigation in the tragedy of Alaska Air Flight 261 that crashed in the Pacific Ocean in 2000 en route to Seattle from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He took dozens of depositions, including those of the top engineers in the case against the airline and Boeing, despite the NTSB giving the corporate giant a virtual pass. Additionally, Mr. Durkin secured more than $40 million in settlements on behalf of seven families who lost loved ones, including the largest settlement among the 90 cases in the mass disaster litigation. His dedication to seeking justice, alongside the skilled team at Clifford Law Offices, has set a high bar for aviation law and industry-wide policy reform.
Currently, Mr. Durkin represents numerous families who lost loved ones in the ongoing federal district court litigation against Boeing related to the tragic 2019 crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302. He also supports the firm’s efforts to represent families who lost loved ones in the 2025 collision of American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. military helicopter near Reagan National Airport.
Other significant roles in aviation litigation:
- Member of the Steering Committee for Singapore Air Flight 006.
- Played key roles in American Airlines Flight 587, the Southwest Airlines crash at Midway, and the Comair and Colgan Air tragedies.
- Represented families in numerous general aviation and helicopter crashes, including the death of radio personality Bob Collins and a $4.1 million settlement in a helicopter crash.
Leadership Beyond the Courtroom
As a respected leader in his practice, Mr. Durkin has held numerous prestigious positions within esteemed legal associations. He has held leadership roles in major legal associations, including Co-Chair of the ABA Litigation Section’s Aviation Committee, Co-Chair of the Mass Torts Litigation Committee, and Vice-Chair of the ABA’s Aviation and Space Law Committee. He is a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers, a fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, and Past President of the Chicago Bar Association.
From 1988 to 1994, Mr. Durkin taught as an adjunct professor at DePaul University College of Law and served as President of its Center for Public Interest Advisory Board. He frequently speaks at international legal programs, including those in the UK, Spain, and Mexico. He has joined panels and conferences in the UK, Spain, and Mexico with prestigious organizations, including The Outer Temple and the Pan-European Organisation of Personal Injuries Lawyers, to speak on various topics surrounding aviation litigation, including international legal systems, his work surrounding the ongoing Boeing litigation, and developments in liability of air carriers.
In addition to supporting the Chicago community through his legal work, Mr. Durkin is an Executive Board Member of the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation. He has long supported the non-profit organization’s mission to provide funding to support the families of Chicago Police Officers who are killed or catastrophically injured in the line of duty.
Recognition and Awards
With a relentless focus on delivering justice and results for his clients, Mr. Durkin has built a reputation within the profession and among peers as a tireless advocate for those affected by personal injury or wrongful death. His reputation has earned him numerous accolades, including consistent recognition as a top-tier attorney by Best Lawyers® in personal injury litigation, aviation law, and product liability since 2011, as well as repeated recognition as the prestigious “Lawyer of the Year” across five years and several practice areas, including aviation law. These accolades are based on peer reviews and his legal ability, professionalism, and integrity. Additionally, he has been named an Illinois Super Lawyer and a Leading Lawyer since 2003, demonstrating his enduring reputation as a leader in his field.
A Chicago Attorney You Can Count On
Beyond his decades of experience and proven track record of success, Mr. Durkin is deeply connected to the Chicago community. Born and raised on Chicago’s West Side, Mr. Durkin studied accounting at the University of Illinois before pursuing law at DePaul University College of Law. He began his career as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Cook County, gaining vital courtroom experience.
Since joining Clifford Law Offices in 1988, Mr. Durkin has championed civil justice and delivered life-changing results for injury victims and their families.
- American Bar Association (ABA)
- American Association for Justice (AAJ)
- Chicago Bar Association (CBA)
- Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA)
- Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA)
Section of Litigation, 1992 – Present
- Product Liability Litigation Committee
- Aviation Litigation Committee (Co-Chair 2000 – 2004)
- Mass Torts Litigation Committee (Co-Chair 2004 – 2006)
- Litigation Institute Training Task Force (2006 – 2009)
Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section 1992 – Present
- Aviation and Space Law Committee (Vice Chair 2005 – Present)
- Commercial Transportation Litigation
- Products General Liability and Consumer Law
Judicial Intern Opportunity Program
- Regional Chair (2011 – 2014)
- Aviation Law Section 1996 – Present
- Motor Vehicle Collision, Highway and Premises Liability Section 1999 – Present
- Products Liability Section 1999 – Present
- Railroad Law Section 1999 – Present
- Federal Tort Liability and Military Advocacy Section 1999 – Present
- Aviation Legislation Task Force 2008 – Present
- Advisory Board, DePaul University College of Law, 2014-Present
- Board of Managers (1998 – 2000)
- Chairman, Appellate Review Committee (2001)
- Treasurer (2002 – 2004)
- Second Vice President (2004 – 2005)
- First Vice President (2005 – 2006)
- President (2006 – 2007)
- Investigation Division Member (1989 -1991)
- Hearing Division Member (1991 – 1993)
- Vice Chairman of Investigation Division (1993 – 1994)
- Vice Chairman of Hearing Division (1994 – 1995)
- Chairman of Hearing Division (1995 – 1997)
- General Chairman (1997 – 1998)
- Board of Directors (2000 – 2008)
- Board of Directors (2001 – 2005)
- Tort Law Committee, 1989 – Present
- Civil Practice & Procedure Committee, 1989 – Present
- Legislative Committee, 1993 – Present
- Board of Advocates, 1993 – 2001
- Board of Managers 2001 – Present
- President of the DePaul University College of Law Center for Public Interest Advisory Board 2008 – 2010
- Fellow 2009 – Present
- Fellow 2010 – Present
- Aviation Litigation
- Commercial Aviation Liability
- Construction Liability
- Personal Injury
- Premises Liability
- Transportation Liability
- National Institute of Trial Advocacy Certified Instructor, 1989
- Named to the “2025 Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers” list
- Named to the “2024 Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers” list
- Selected to Illinois Super Lawyers list, 2015-Present:
- Named to “Top 100: 2024 Illinois Super Lawyers® List“
- Named to “Top 100: 2023 Illinois Super Lawyers® List“
- Named “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers®, Aviation Law, Chicago, 2023
- Trial Lawyer Excellence Award, Jury Verdict Reporter, 2022
- Top 10 in Aviation, Leading Lawyers, 2022
- Named “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers®, Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs, Chicago, 2022
- Named “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers®, Aviation Law, 2021
- Named to Best Lawyers® in America, 2011 – present
- Leading Lawyer, Law Bulletin Media, 2018 – Present
- Named “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers®, Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs, Chicago, 2020
- Named “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers®, Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, Chicago, 2018
- Named “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers®, Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs, Chicago, 2017
- 2015 Trial Lawyer Excellence Award, presented by the Jury Verdict Reporter
- 2012 Trial Excellence Award by the L Bulletin Publishing Company
- Named, “Top Tier Attorney in Personal Injury Litigation, Aviation Litigation, and Product Liability Litigation” by U.S. News-Best Lawyers since 2011
- Illinois, 1980
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois, 1980
- U.S. District Court Central District of Illinois, 1993
- U.S. Court of Appeals 7th Circuit, 1995
- U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan, 2000
- U.S. District Court Northern District of New York, 2006
- DePaul University College of Law, Chicago, Illinois
- Juris Doctor – 1980
- University of Illinois – Champaign/Urbana
- B.S., Bachelor of Science – 1977
- Major: Accountancy
- In 2007, Mr. Durkin was bestowed the “Outstanding Contributions to the Legal Profession Award” by the International Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity (PAD) for his tireless work in promoting the legal profession in Chicago and in recognition for his public service to the people of Illinois. In 2009, he was elected a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers as well as being named to the Irish Legal 100, an honor that recognizes the top lawyers of Irish descent throughout the country. In 2010, Mr. Durkin also was inducted as a Fellow in the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. He gives back to the community in many ways including serving on the Board of Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, which helps families of fallen and injured Chicago police officers.
- Adjunct Faculty, DePaul College of Law, Taught trial advocacy course and complex litigation course, 1988 – 1994
- National Institute of Trial Advocacy, Certified Instructor, 1989
- Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, “Economic Damages,” March 25, 2022.
- 55th Annual Southern Methodist University (SMU) Air Law Symposium, “Boeing 737 MAX Litigation Update,” March 24, 2021.
- 55th Annual Southern Methodist University (SMU) Air Law Symposium, “Boeing 737 MAX Litigation Update,” April 1, 2020.
- Air Law Conference, “Aviation Litigation in the USA – the Case of Non-USA Residents Suing in the USA” and “Liability of Aircraft Manufacturers & Component Parts, Aerospace Regulators, Air Navigation Service Providers,” May 31, 2019.
- Multidistrict Litigation Conference, “America’s Opioid Crisis From the Front Lines: Litigation Landscape, Venues, Jurisdictional Hurdles, Defenses and Causes of Action,” June 2018.
- Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, “The Value of Focus Groups,” March 28, 2015.
- Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, “Ethics of Client Communications,” May 2, 2014.
- American Bar Association, “Improper Statements and Conduct in Opening and Closing Arguments,” April 25, 2013.
- American Bar Association, Section of Litigation, “Disaster in the Alps? Fight Over Forum,” June 3, 2010.
- American Bar Association, Annual Meeting, “Objections,” July 30, 2009.
- Law Bulletin Publishing Company, “Litigation Skills III Conference,” April 23, 2009.
- Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, “Transportation Torts, Planes,” February 16, 2009.
- Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Update and Review Seminar, “Fault Allocation Under Section 2-1117/Excluding Settling Defendants From Verdict Form,” October 13, 2008.
- Sun-Sentinel covering Broward and Palm Beach counties, Florida, “Expert: Pilots of Doomed Plane May Have Flown Too Low to Get Glimpse of Runway,” Jan. 29, 2017.
- Bloomberg News, “Germanwings Crash Cause Means Recoveries ‘Uncapped’,” March 27, 2015.
- Wall Street Journal, “Liability of Germanwings Crash May Still Rest with Airline, Insurer; Co-pilot’s secretary wouldn’t necessarily exonerate Lufthansa, lawyers say,” March 30, 2015.
- International Business Times, “Germanwings: How Much Will the Families of Flight 9525 Receive in Crash Settlements?” March 30, 2015.
- SuperLawyers, “Kevin Durkin cushions the blow for Accident victims and their families,” February 2001.
- Litigation Magazine, ABA, Journal of the Section of Litigation, “Battling for Big Bucks,” Fall, 1996.
- Assistant States Attorney to Cook County, 1980 – 1988
- Robert A. Clifford & Associates, Associate , 1988 – 1994
- Corboy, Demetrio & Clifford, Partner, 1994 – 1995
- Clifford Law Offices, P.C., Partner, 1995 – Present
