Erin Clifford, Managing Director at Clifford Law Offices, has been named a 2025 recipient of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois’ (WBAI) Top Women Lawyers in Leadership Award. This recognition honors women who have made exceptional contributions to the legal profession through leadership, service, and mentorship. Candidates include elite women who have fostered growth in a given field, demonstrated future potential, or transcended traditional mentoring to establish new pathways for women.
The annual awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM CST, at Salon 61 in Chicago.
Erin Clifford stands out not only for her leadership in the legal field but also for her pioneering work in professional wellness. With a career that bridges law and mental health, she has dedicated herself to improving attorney well-being in a profession often defined by long hours, chronic stress, and burnout. Her work brings attention to an issue affecting legal professionals in Illinois and nationwide, and promotes a sustainable approach to success that prioritizes balance, health, and purpose.
Holding both a Juris Doctor from DePaul College of Law and a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University, Clifford combines her deep understanding of the legal world with clinical expertise in emotional and physical wellness. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois, a National Certified Counselor, and a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach.
Clifford has long been an advocate for integrating wellness into the legal profession. Through her workshops, presentations, and free continuing legal education (CLE) programs offered through Clifford Law Offices, she has reached thousands of attorneys. Her programs emphasize practical strategies for building resilience, managing stress, and creating healthy habits that improve overall quality of life. Her efforts have made wellness education more accessible to members of the legal community who may not otherwise have the time or resources to focus on their own mental health.
In 2025, Clifford published her first book, Wellness Reimagined: A Holistic Approach to Health, Happiness, and Harmony, through Forefront Books. The book quickly gained national recognition, debuting on USA Today’s Best Sellers list in its first week and climbing into the Top 10 shortly thereafter. Through her writing, Clifford shares how she noticed systemic issues in health and wellness among professionals during her first career as a teacher, her time in law school, and her work at the firm. Her book provides personal anecdotes and expert guidance to help professionals overcome common wellness challenges.
Erin Clifford’s ongoing leadership advocates for a new approach to success in law, especially for women, focusing on well-being as the foundation for excellence. Her recognition by the WBAI demonstrates the growing importance of holistic well-being in shaping the future of legal practice.