Four attorneys from Clifford Law Offices have been included in the 2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America list, which recognizes top attorneys across the United States. Firm founder and senior partner Robert A. Clifford is recognized alongside partners Bradley M. Consgrove, Kevin P. Durkin, and Keith A. Hebeisen for their work representing plaintiffs in high-stakes cases and complex litigation.
For more than forty years, Clifford Law Offices has taken pride in righting the heaviest wrongs. Through leadership in plaintiffs’ work, the firm has secured billions in damages for those harmed by the negligence of individuals, corporations, and entities that prioritize profits over people. Attorney inclusion on the 2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America list demonstrates the firm’s unwavering dedication to excellence in advocacy, its proven success in complex litigation, and its commitment to achieving justice for clients nationwide.
Bob Clifford is widely recognized as a global leader in aviation litigation, having represented victims and their families in nearly every major commercial U.S. airline crash since 1979. His involvement in cases arising from significant historical events, including the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York, demonstrates his international reputation. Mr. Clifford currently serves as Lead Counsel in the ongoing litigation in Chicago federal court for families of the 2019 Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 MAX-8 crash victims, which resulted in 157 deaths across 35 countries. He also represents several families affected by the January 2026 midair collision involving an American Airlines aircraft and a U.S. military helicopter over the Potomac River.
Mr. Clifford’s work extends beyond the courtroom through legal action and philanthropy efforts, initiating societal changes that protect public safety, giving back to the Chicago community, and bettering the legal profession.
Keith Hebeisen is one of the most respected medical malpractice attorneys in Illinois. Known for his assertive representation over decades of experience, he has achieved a record of favorable outcomes for his clients, including numerous record-setting verdicts and settlements. In addition to medical malpractice cases, Mr. Hebeisen has represented individuals in a variety of matters, including transportation, product liability, and toxic torts, ensuring negligent professionals and corporations are held accountable for the harm they cause and helping injured individuals and their families obtain the justice and compensation they deserve. He is a dedicated advocate for plaintiffs and their families who have suffered injury or death through his efforts to educate elected officials and improve proposed legislation in the state capital that impacts them. He is an active member of multiple professional organizations, including the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, where he has previously served as president and is currently a member of the Board of Governors of The American Association for Justice.
Kevin Durkin has built a distinguished career in complex personal injury litigation, with a focus on aviation and transportation matters. He has been involved in nearly every major commercial airline crash over the last forty years, often serving as lead counsel. His combination of extensive legal expertise and relentless work ethic has made him a formidable advocate for justice and accountability in aviation disasters. His track record of success and his reputation among clients and colleagues show the high respect he has earned for his skills, professionalism, and integrity. Currently, Mr. Durkin represents numerous families who lost loved ones in the ongoing federal court litigation against Boeing following the tragic 2019 crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302.
Brad Cosgrove has gained national recognition for his work in complex medical malpractice and catastrophic injury cases. Known for his relentless advocacy and exceptional trial skills, Mr. Cosgrove has achieved multiple record-setting multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for his clients. His leadership within the firm and the broader legal community, including his support of aspiring trial attorneys through his alma mater, demonstrates his dedication to raising the standards of trial advocacy.
The Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America list is created through a comprehensive review process that assesses thousands of lawyers across the U.S. to determine “the best litigators the U.S. has to offer.” Honorees are selected based on their professional achievements, reputation, and an extensive vetting process. The 2026 selections were made through a record-breaking number of submissions, alongside our original journalistic research and vetting with the nation’s leading trial lawyers.
Click here to view the complete list of 2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America honorees.