Fifteen partners from Clifford Law Offices have been named to the prestigious “2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers” list, a national recognition reserved for attorneys who define excellence in plaintiff advocacy and who consistently stand at the forefront of the civil justice system.
Those honored this year include:
- Robert A. Clifford
- Tracy A. Brammeier
- Richard F. Burke, Jr.
- Susan A. Capra
- Bradley M. Cosgrove
- Kevin P. Durkin
- Charles R. Haskins
- Keith A. Hebeisen
- Sarah F. King
- Shannon M. McNulty
- Joseph T. Murphy
- James C. Pullos
- Kristofer S. Riddle
- Hon. Henry R. Simmons (Ret.)
- Craig J. Squillace
Since 2007, Lawdragon’s annual guide has recognized the nation’s most accomplished plaintiff attorneys who combine exceptional legal skill with unwavering dedication to clients facing life-altering harm. To have fifteen lawyers from one firm included on this elite list demonstrates the depth of talent that sets Clifford Law Offices apart.
A Hall of Fame Legacy
The firm’s founder and senior partner, Robert A. Clifford, whose career has helped shape modern aviation litigation and who remains one of Chicago’s top plaintiff attorneys, was inducted into theLawdragon Hall of Fame in 2023, a distinction reserved for legal legends whose influence spans decades and whose impact is felt across the profession.
For over 40 years, Bob has handled nearly every major commercial airline crash in the United States, building a reputation for precision, preparation, and principled advocacy in the most technically complex and emotionally devastating cases. He currently serves as Lead Counsel in the ongoing federal litigation arising from the 2019 Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 MAX8 crash in Ethiopia, while also representing families in the November 2025 UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky, and pursuing claims stemming from the January 2025 mid-air collision over the Potomac River between an American Eagle regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter that killed 67 people.
His Hall of Fame recognition reflects not only extraordinary legal victories but also a career devoted to standing beside families during unimaginable loss, holding powerful corporations accountable.
Congratulations to our Chicago plaintiffs attorneys and all lawyers selected to the 2026 Lawdragon 500 List!