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 could give voice to people in crisis, solidified his decision to become a lawyer. That commitment deepened under the mentorship of Bob Clifford, who later offered Craig a position contingent on passing the bar.
Throughout the interview, Craig emphasizes the guiding principle that drives his practice: treat every client as if they were family. This philosophy shapes how he works with people navigating trauma, grief, and loss. For Craig, advocacy begins with validation. He reassures clients that seeking justice is not only acceptable but also necessary, and it continues with listening, patience, and trust.
“It might sound simple, but many clients need reassurance that exercising their legal rights is completely justified.”
This approach has also shaped his courtroom style. Craig describes himself as a straight shooter who prefers to guide rather than perform, allowing juries to hear directly from the people most affected. His respect for opposing counsel and belief that professionalism and civility strengthen an advocate set him apart in high-stakes litigation.
Craig’s values guided a landmark $66 million verdict against a plastic surgeon in Cook County, the largest judgment of its kind in Illinois history. Trying the case alongside partner Bradley Cosgrove, Craig helped lead the litigation, which concluded after just eight days and three hours of jury deliberation. Craig explains that what moved the jury wasn’t rhetoric but the voices of the family, especially as they spoke about their loss during the holiday season.
“All I did was guide them,” he told Lawdragon. “They were the ones who told their story.”
Over more than two decades, Craig has handled some of Illinois’ most complex personal injury and wrongful death cases, including catastrophic trucking crashes, aviation disasters, premises liability claims, and medical negligence matters. His results include record-setting settlements and life-changing recoveries, but he measures success less by numbers than by the trust his clients place in him.
Craig also reflects candidly on the emotional weight of his work, particularly in cases where tragedy affects multiple families on both sides of the courtroom. In those moments, he says, compassion matters as much as skill, a reminder that accountability and humanity are not mutually exclusive.
Read Craig Squillace’s full interview on Lawdragon.