Clifford Law Offices Participates in the 2026 AAJ Annual Convention

Clifford Law Offices had a visible presence at the 2026 American Association for Justice Annual Convention in Chicago, from the convention’s general session featuring Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker to the aviation litigation CLE program.

Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, introduced Governor Pritzker before a packed ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Chicago on Saturday, July 25, praising the governor’s strong stance on issues affecting Illinois and the nation, including his efforts to combat consumer fraud.

During his address, Governor Pritzker spoke about the importance of protecting civil rights and designated July 25 as Emmett Till Day, a new Illinois state holiday. He signed legislation commemorating the 14-year-old Chicago native who was abducted, tortured, and killed in Mississippi in 1955. His mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, became a leading advocate in the Civil Rights Movement. Till would have turned 85 that day.

Tracy A. Brammeier, partner at the firm, also addressed attorneys from across the country during a session on aviation damages. In her presentation, “Pre-Impact Terror and Fright,” which examined the emotional and psychological trauma passengers may experience in the moments before an aviation disaster, Tracy drew on her work as Liaison Counsel in the federal litigation arising from the 2019 crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302. She discussed the legal standards and evidence involved in pursuing full damages for victims and their families.

“Pre-impact terror and fright is something our aviation team has spent years studying in the ET 302 litigation, both from a legal and factual perspective,” Brammeier said. “In a plane crash, the victims realize their fate, making it a unique aspect of many aviation cases when compared to other, more sudden events.”

The AAJ Annual Convention serves as one of the country’s leading forums for plaintiff attorneys to exchange ideas, examine emerging legal issues, and strengthen the civil justice system. Clifford Law Offices’ continued involvement and support of the AAJ reflects the firm’s commitment to advancing the practice of plaintiff law through advocacy, education, and service.