Few trial lawyers can look back on their career and point to cases that changed not only their clients’ lives, but also the standards and policies that protect millions of others. Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices in Chicago, is one of those few.
Bob’s legacy is the focus of a Spotlight interview with Crain’s Chicago Business’ Jennifer Keirn, following his recognition as one of Crain’s Notable Leaders in Accounting, Consulting and Law for 2026. He reflects on cases that changed public policy, the clients who catalyzed those changes, and his responsibility as a leader to pass along what he has learned to the next generation of trial lawyers.
For Bob, some of the most meaningful cases are those that have given clients an opportunity to seek something larger than a legal resolution: accountability, responsibility, and the possibility that what happened to them might help protect someone else.
“Clients typically come to us looking for responsibility, accountability, and legacy, meaning that they don’t want the loss of their loved one simply to be a meaningless thing that gets swept under the rug. They want the world, if it can be, to be safer.”
He goes on to share one of his earlier cases that involved a young woman who died in a Chicago high-rise fire after failures in the city’s 911 system prevented firefighters from locating her. That case led to a city ordinance requiring the registration of building vanity addresses so emergency responders could identify those locations when someone called 911.
In another defining case, Bob represented acclaimed violinist Rachel Barton after the strap of her violin case became caught in the doors of a Metra train, resulting in catastrophic injuries. Following a six-week trial, the jury found in her favor, and the case ultimately changed boarding practices for Chicago commuters.
“It was one of those watershed moments that changed the behavior of the transportation operators for the better.”
Beyond the cases that brought him notoriety, Bob also discusses what lawyers owe those coming up behind them. His approach to mentorship traces back to legendary Chicago trial lawyer Phil Corboy and the accomplished attorneys he watched, questioned, and learned from early in his career. Their willingness to teach left a lasting impression. Today, Bob brings young lawyers into courtrooms, depositions, and trials so they can learn the same way he did: by experiencing the work firsthand.
“That is the way you teach by example, because civility and professionalism matter. The public demands it. The public is entitled to it.”
It is a philosophy grounded in preparation, professionalism, and respect, and one that Bob has carried throughout a career devoted to his clients, the civil justice system, and making communities safer.
Click here to watch Bob Clifford’s Spotlight interview and read his full Crain’s Notable profile.