Firm News

Four Clifford Law Offices partners have been named to the 2027 Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America list, recognizing their work in some of the most complex and consequential areas of plaintiffs’ litigation in Chicago and across the United States. Robert A. Clifford, Bradley M. Cosgrove, Kevin P. Durkin, and Keith A. Hebeisen have built distinguished careers representing individuals and families in cases involving catastrophic injury and loss across aviation, medical malpractice, wrongful death, product…

On July 31, 2026, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed Public Act 104-0683, requiring employers with more than 25 employees to continue paying workers their regular wages while serving on jury duty. The new law, which takes effect January 1, 2027, represents an important step toward making jury service more accessible to Illinois residents. The right to trial by jury is one of the cornerstones of the American justice system. Since the nation’s founding, juries have…

Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, is joined by eighteen attorneys named in The Best Lawyers in America® 2027 Edition, a testament to the firm’s longstanding record of excellence. An internationally renowned trial attorney, Mr. Clifford has earned a place on the Best Lawyers list for over three decades. Partners Kevin P. Durkin, Keith A. Hebeisen, and Shannon M. McNulty have all been recognized for over ten years. In addition…

Juan R. Thomas, Of Counsel at Clifford Law Offices, was sworn in as President of the National Conference of Bar Presidents during its Annual Meeting held in conjunction with the American Bar Association (ABA) Annual Meeting on Friday, July 31st. Atty. Thomas also became President of the Illinois Bar Foundation this past June. It is believed this is the first time a lawyer has held a dual presidency in the bar in the same year…

After decades of dedicated service, Richard F. Burke, Jr. is retiring from Clifford Law Offices. Throughout his distinguished career, Rich built a reputation as one of Chicago’s most respected trial attorneys, handling some of the firm’s most complex aviation, product liability, trucking, and catastrophic injury cases. His thoughtful approach, unwavering preparation, and commitment to every client helped shape countless successful outcomes while earning the respect of colleagues throughout the legal profession. “As I step away…

Bradley M. Cosgrove, partner at Clifford Law Offices, spoke with editors at Climbing Magazine regarding the record $50 million verdict he obtained for an eight-year-old boy who was raped at a summer climbing camp. Cosgrove and partner Charles R. Haskins received the verdict following a two-week trial in Cook County Circuit Court. Cosgrove told Climbing Magazine, “For any gyms who don’t currently have a bathroom supervision policy for minors, this $50 million verdict serves as…

Clifford Law Offices is saddened by the loss of Robert P. Sheridan, Of Counsel, whose distinguished legal career and decades of service to the legal profession left a lasting mark on the firm, his colleagues, and the clients he served. Bob served as one of the firm’s most trusted legal minds. A thoughtful strategist and accomplished appellate attorney, he devoted his career to researching, developing, and advancing the legal arguments behind many of the firm’s…

In June 2026, Sarah F. King, partner at Clifford Law Offices, was elected to a two-year term serving on the Chicago Bar Association (CBA) Board of Managers. Known for representing individuals and families in complex medical malpractice litigation, where she has secured numerous record-setting verdicts and settlements, Sarah King has built a career that combines staunch courtroom advocacy with dedicated service to the legal profession. In addition to her litigation practice, she is the immediate…

Juan R. Thomas, Of Counsel at Clifford Law Offices, was sworn in as President of the Illinois Bar Foundation (IBF) during the Illinois State Bar Association’s Annual Meeting on June 11, 2026, in St. Louis. In assuming the presidency, he becomes the second African American lawyer to serve as President of the organization since its founding in 1951. A nationally recognized attorney and civic leader, Juan Thomas has dedicated his career to advancing justice, public…