Attorney Articles

Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner of Clifford Law Offices and columnist for the Chicago Lawyer magazine, wrote an article titled “Seeking An Answer” for the April/May issue on the latest word from the Illinois Supreme Court on tort issues impacting custodial rights cases. In particular, he examined the recent case of a father who the court said had wrongfully taken his two children out of the country, and the children’s mother brought an…

As more and more lawyers use artificial intelligence (AI) in the profession, it is imperative that they not rely on this new tool without human legal knowledge to review any work product. Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner of Clifford Law Offices and columnist for the Chicago Lawyer magazine, wrote about the issues lawyers are confronting as AI becomes a tool in their toolbox to improve efficiency when representing clients. That efficiency, however, should…

In an interview with Lawdragon, Craig Squillace, partner at Clifford Law Offices, offers a thoughtful look at a career defined by empathy, preparation, and quiet command of the courtroom. Craig’s path to the law began early, when he was introduced to Clifford Law Offices as a college student at Illinois State University. What started as a backroom job during school breaks quickly became a calling. Seeing the civil justice system at work, particularly how it…

Following a $289 million verdict for a groundskeeper who developed cancer after long-term exposure to a cancer-causing pesticide, Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices and a columnist for the Chicago Lawyer, authored a piece titled “Hiding Behind Their Sheilds” in the December-January issue, writing that corporate immunity is an argument corporations use to try to avoid responsibility for those injured by exposure to the dangerous chemical. Farmers often suffer the…

Bradley M. Cosgrove, partner at Clifford Law Offices, and Courtney A. Berlin, associate at the firm, authored an article titled “The Evolution & Future of Illinois Jury Instruction 15.01” for the Illinois Trial Lawyer Association’s Winter 2026 Trial Journal publication. The article provides historical context for the Illinois Pattern Jury Instructions (IPI), discussing their adoption in 1961 and subsequent updates in 1965, 1977, 1981, and 2000. Cosgrove and Berlin focus on the 2021 revision of…

In the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois’ 2025 Winter Newsletter, Courtney A. Berlin offers a thoughtful reflection on her first year as an associate at Clifford Law Offices, a year defined by professional growth, teamwork, and significant results for clients. “As I wrap up my first year as an associate at the Clifford Law Offices,” Berlin says, “I’m proud to reflect on what has been a year filled with success, growth, and a deepened commitment…

Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, authored a column titled “Rules of the Road” for Chicago Lawyer, which examines the liability of Amazon and its delivery drivers. Several cases have been brought around the country for accidents allegedly caused by delivery drivers, often in a hurry to complete their jobs. Clifford examines the argument that Amazon identifies its drivers as third parties, even though they appear to the public as…

In the spring of 2025, Sarah F. King, partner at Clifford Law Offices and an established Chicago medical malpractice attorney, led a two-week medical malpractice trial while eight months pregnant. The case involved the failure to diagnose a stroke in a single mother, resulting in permanent disabilities that forever altered the woman’s life and that of her children. Through preparation, resilience, and determined advocacy, King secured a $6.84 million verdict for her client, a result…

John V. Kalantzis, partner at Clifford Law Offices, authored an article for the August 2025 issue of PLI Chronicle: Insights and Perspectives for the Legal Community titled “Cleared for Resolution: ADR in Aviation Disputes.” Kalantzis discusses the complexities of resolving aviation cases through alternative dispute resolution (ADR), emphasizing the unique challenges related to jurisdiction, damages, and settlement strategies in intricate and high-stakes aviation matters. While Kalantzis stresses the importance of trial preparation for both attorneys…