Publications

Clifford Law Offices attorneys continue to contribute to legal scholarship by sharing practical insights with fellow Illinois attorneys through the Illinois State Bar Association’s Tort Trends newsletter. In the February 2026 issue, associate Courtney A. Berlin, in collaboration with then-Clifford Law Offices law clerk Mary Dalenberg, authored “Audit Trails and the Scope of Medical Record Discovery in Illinois.” The article examines the Illinois Appellate Court’s decision in Burnette v. Nockels, explaining how the ruling clarifies…

Clifford Law Offices partners Scott J. Kater and Sarah F. King shared their medical malpractice litigation experience as contributing authors to the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education’s (IICLE) Medical Malpractice, 2026 Edition, a comprehensive practice resource for Illinois attorneys handling complex medical negligence cases. The handbook provides practical guidance for attorneys representing clients in medical negligence matters, covering topics ranging from initial case evaluation and discovery to trial preparation, mediation, and post-trial considerations. The…

Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner of Clifford Law Offices, authored a column in the June/July issue of Chicago Lawyer Magazine, titled “Time for a Redesign?” examining a wrongful death claim involving Tesla’s electronically activated door systems and the broader vehicle safety concerns raised by the litigation. The lawsuit, filed in 2026 by a Massachusetts family, alleges that their teenage son died from fire and smoke inhalation after a crash in his 2021 Tesla…

In an interview with Lawdragon, James Pullos, partner at Clifford Law Offices, reflects on a career shaped by challenge, perspective, and a deep sense of responsibility to his clients. Jim Pullos’ path to personal injury law was shaped over time, through a range of roles and experiences. As the first in his family to attend and graduate from a four-year university, his decision to pursue law was rooted in a desire to challenge himself and…

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…

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…