Scott J. Kater

Scott J. Kater is a partner at Clifford Law Offices, bringing nearly a decade of litigation and trial experience to the firm’s nationally and internationally recognized catastrophic injury practice. His work strengthens the firm’s ability to advocate for individuals and families seeking accountability from medical providers, institutions, and corporations. Mr. Kater plays a key role in advancing the firm’s mission to hold negligent parties accountable and pursue justice for those who have suffered serious and life-altering injuries.

Mr. Kater focuses his practice on Chicago medical malpractice cases and professional negligence matters, with experience handling complex claims involving physicians, hospitals, medical groups, and healthcare institutions. His approach is grounded in disciplined preparation, sound judgment, and a client-centered philosophy, supported by strong leadership and effective public speaking skills developed through extensive courtroom advocacy. His work reinforces the firm’s longstanding reputation for excellence in catastrophic injury litigation while guiding clients through life’s most challenging moments.

His litigation background, which includes experience in general liability, premises liability, product liability, institutional negligence, and related high-exposure litigation, spans all phases of casework, including pre-suit investigation, discovery, trial, and appeal. He regularly applies advanced legal research skills to develop case strategy, evaluate liability, and address complex medical and institutional issues.

Before joining Clifford Law Offices, Mr. Kater represented hospitals, medical providers, manufacturers, and multinational corporations in matters involving catastrophic injury and allegations of professional negligence. This background provides him with insight into defense strategies, risk assessment, and trial preparation, which directly informs his plaintiff-side advocacy on behalf of injured clients facing well-resourced defendants.

Mr. Kater has extensive courtroom experience in both state and federal courts. He has served as second chair in multiple jury trials and as lead counsel in complex motion practice and discovery proceedings. His work includes preparing licensed professionals and corporate representatives for testimony, conducting and defending depositions, and arguing dispositive and evidentiary motions. He has also briefed and argued matters before the Illinois Appellate Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

In addition to his litigation practice, Mr. Kater is recognized for his strength in legal writing and advocacy. He has earned multiple CALI Awards for Academic Excellence while attending Loyola University Chicago School of Law and achieved national recognition through moot court competition. His professional accomplishments have been recognized by peer-reviewed organizations, including The Best Lawyers in America®: Ones to Watch, Leading Lawyers – Emerging Lawyer, and Super Lawyers®: Rising Stars.

Outside of his practice, Mr. Kater values time with his family as a father of three and enjoys sports, travel, fitness, and cooking.