In an interview with Lawdragon, Bradley M. Cosgrove, partner at Clifford Law Offices, shares the personal journey that led him to become one of the top personal injury attorneys in Chicago.
Brad recalls a pivotal moment from his childhood that exposed him to the world of personal injury law and set his career in motion. At just 10 years old, a devastating accident changed his family’s life, leaving both his parents with lasting, life-altering injuries they still deal with today. While sitting in a federal courtroom during their jury trial, he saw firsthand how powerful the legal system can be for those in need.
“One of my earliest memories was being in the federal court building for my mom and dad’s jury trial and thinking, ‘Boy, I’d really love to help people in the same situation.”
That early exposure to accident law and the judicial system taught him the importance of attorney representation for clients facing catastrophic situations and instilled in him a lifelong mission to use the civil justice system to help victims at their most vulnerable.
Since then, Brad Cosgrove has built a distinguished career in personal injury law defined by his tireless preparation, courtroom skills, and compassion for his clients. His reputation as a fair, tough, and successful advocate for those in need is built on his philosophy of leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of truth and justice.
“I was the most prepared person in the courtroom, which was the advice that was given to me: If you’re going to try cases, don’t ever let anybody outwork you.”
Brad’s work in medical malpractice, trucking accidents, auto accidents, and wrongful death has resulted in numerous record-setting verdicts and settlements for his clients, including a $56 million jury award in a wrongful death case in 2025, one of the largest verdicts in Illinois history against a plastic surgeon.
His success in high-stakes litigation has earned him national recognition and reinforced his reputation as a fierce advocate. Among his many recognitions, Brad has been named to the Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers list and was inducted into the Inner Circle of Advocates, an invitation-only group of the top 100 plaintiff trial lawyers in the country, one of the most prestigious honors in the legal field.
In his interview, Brad reflects on two key mentors: John Ambrose, the attorney who represented his family and later offered him a high school summer job; and Bob Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, who encouraged Brad to try cases from day one. Brad considers how their guidance shaped his determination to provide meaningful advocacy through courage and a strong work ethic.
Mentorship continues to be a core part of Brad’s mission as an attorney, and he has found meaningful ways to support and educate the next generation of trial lawyers. For years, Brad has closely collaborated with the University of Illinois, Chicago School of Law as a coach and sponsor of the school’s mock trial team. In 2024, the university named its annual mock trial competition in his honor, recognizing Brad’s accomplishments as a trial attorney and his ongoing commitment to mentoring countless students.
Brad’s feature in Lawdragon’s Lawyer Limelights highlights not only his professional achievements but also the human impact a profession can have on a community.
Read Brad Cosgrove’s full interview here.