Robert Clifford Moderated Panel at the 16th Annual Symposium with the Judges

Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, served as discussion leader for a distinguished panel at the 16th Annual Symposium with the Judges. The event, hosted by Law Bulletin Media, took place on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, and brought together judges and legal professionals from across Cook County for an afternoon of meaningful discussion and professional development.

The Symposium with the Judges has become a cornerstone event for the Chicago legal community, offering attorneys valuable insights into courtroom practices, judicial expectations, and evolving trial strategies. This year’s program continued that tradition by featuring in-depth discussions with members of the judiciary who will share their perspectives on effective advocacy, case management, and the challenges facing today’s courts.

As moderator, Mr. Clifford led an engaging discussion on the topic of “State of the Law Division.” His panel featured Judge Thomas V. Lyons II, Acting Presiding Judge of the Law Division, and Judge Toya V. Harvey, Trial Section. Drawing on his decades of experience as one of the nation’s top trial attorneys, Mr. Clifford steered the conversation on key topics, including jury trial logistics, new time standards for trial closure, updates on new Law Division procedures, the judge selection process, and case statistics. Attendees enjoyed candid observations, practical advice, and an open exchange of ideas to improve their courtroom effectiveness.

Additional panels covered key aspects of civil litigation, including evidentiary issues, use of technology, jury selection, and strategies for navigating complex cases. The 2025 symposium, approved for MCLE credit, provided attorneys with a rare opportunity to hear directly from the bench and gain a better understanding of how to present cases effectively and persuasively.