Robert A. Clifford

March 24, 1951

Evergreen Park, Illinois, United States

Worked at Clifford Law Offices, P.C. (Chicago, Illinois) specializing in Plaintiff's Personal Injury Litigation, Aviation Litigation, Medical and Professional Negligence, FELA, AIDS Law, Product Liability, Premises Liability, Construction Accidents, Wrongful Death Law, Vehicular Accident Law. Admitted to the bar, 1976, Illinois and United States. District Court, Northern District of Illinois including Trial Bar. 1981, United States. Supreme Court and United States. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin, 1993, United States. District Court, Central District of Illinois. President, Blue Key, 1975-1976. Research and Development Editor, DePaul College of Law, Law Review, 1975-1976. Author: "Lights, Cameras..Action?" Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, May, 1997. "Getting Weight Loss Centers to Fork Over," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, April, 1997. "Red Rover, Dead Rover, I Send This Suit Over," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, February, 1997. "Heart of Justice Beats Anew," Commentary, Chicago Sun-Times, February 9, 1997. "Sorting Out the Confusion in Cramer," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, January, 1997. "Full Justice Means Assigning Blame," Voice of the People, Chicago Tribune, December 9, 1996. "Where Should Plane Crash Cases Land?" Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, November, 1996. "Tortfight at the Accountability Corral," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, December, 1996. "Battling for Big Bucks," Litigation Magazine, American Bar Association Journal of the Section of Litigation, Fall, 1996. "Care Needed in Managed Care Revolution," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, October, 1996. "Clearing the Haze Around College Hazing," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, September, 1996. "Covenants Ignore the Duty to Public Interest," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, August, 1996. "State Bombs Out in Fireworks Laws," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, July, 1996. "ValuJet Crash Shows Flawed System," Voice of the People, Chicago Tribune, June 11, 1996. "Certify Candidates, But Keep the Ballot Box," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, June, 1996. "Getting Teed Off Over Golf Balls," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, May, 1996. "An Electric Complex: Wire Service or Powered Product?" Product Liability Law Strategy, Leader Publications, New York, April, 1996. "Accountant's Facing More Tort Actions in Malpractice Cases," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, April, 1996. "Judging the Way We Chose Judges," Commentary, Chicago Sun-Times, April 13, 1996. "Families Target Therapists in Memory Cases," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, March, 1996. "Beware Real Costs of Managed Care," Voice of the People, Chicago Tribune, February 26, 1996. "Fevered Debate Over Inconsistent Coverage," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, February, 1996. "Families Target Therapists in Memory Cases," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, February, 1966. "Health Effects of Cellular Phones on Hold," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, January, 1996. "Dollar Signs at Railroad Crossing," Chicago Tribune, Voice of the People, December 1, 1995. "Two States Give Battered Women Tort Option," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, December, 1995. "Charting the Court of Nurse's Liabilty," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, November, 1995. "O.J. Faces Different Set of Rules in Civil Cases," The Forum, Chicago Sun-Times, October, 1995. "Expansion of Good Samaritan Act Not an Act of Kindness," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, August, 1995. "To Be a Trial Lawyer," F. Lee Baily Book Review, Trial Magazine, June, 1995. "When Does Death Occur?" Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, July, 1995. "Hot Pursuit - Car Chases Lead to Pursuit of Chase Standards," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, June, 1995. "When Lightning Struck," Chicago Bar Record, May, 1995. ""Whatever Happened to Debate Compromise?" Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, May 22, 1995. "Short-Sighted Legislators Wearing I-Glasses," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, May, 1995. "Litigation Reform: Who Benefits Most?" Commentary, Chicago Sun-Times, May 6, 1995. "Gramm Bill Aids Industry for the Health of It," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, April, 1995. "Workplace Violence Generates Two Kinds of Tort," National Law Journal, April 17, 1995. "Court, IRS Disagree on Whether Punitive Damages Taxable," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, March 1995. Victims Lose in Capping Damages," Voice of the People, Chicago Tribune, March 26, 1995. "Forecast: Storm Warning for Meteorologists," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, February, 1995. "Mock Trials Offer Virtual Reality," National Law Journal, February 27, 1995. "Product Liability, What You Don't Know Can Hurt You," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, January, 1995. "Capping Damages Hurt Victims Rights," Voice of the People, Chicago Tribune, December 27, 1994. "Toy Industry Needs to Stop Playing Around With Child Safety," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, December, 1994. "New Liability Infects Hospitals that Catch Marketing Fever," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, November, 1994. "Negligent Tort Reform," Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, November 3, 1994. "Government is Best that Plays Sports Least," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, October 1994. "Marketing Tools May Increase Hospitals' Liability Exposure," Illinois State Bar Newsletter, October, 1994. "Litany of Litigation Survey of Lawyers Can't be Called Objective," Chicago Sun-Times, Commentary, October 8, 1994. "Justice System Corrects Its Outrage," Chicago Tribune, "Voice of the People," September 29, 1994. "Skill at Taking Depositions Brings Victory in the Courtroom," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, September, 1994. "It's Duck Season: Public's Safety Under the Gun," National Law Journal, Podium, August 22, 1994. "Like Travel, Travel Litigation is Broadening," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, August, 1994. "Tort Surgery will Fail to Excise Health Costs," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, July, 1994. "Aviation Industry Putting its Head in Clouds," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, June, 1994. "Malpractice Suits Do Not Inflate Health Costs," National Law Journal, May 16, 1994, reprinted in Illinois Medicine, June 3, 1994. "The False Issue of Malpractice Costs," The Wall Street Journal, May 10, 1994. "All Lawyers Face Urgent Need for Restoration of Mentoring," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, May 1994. "Proposal on Physician-Patient Privilege Would Send Public Policy up in Smoke," Law Day Issue, Chicago Law Bulletin, April 23, 1994. "Big Business of Medical Care," Medical Malpractice Law and Strategy, Leader Publication, April, 1994. "Must Hold Purveyors of Gun Liable," Voice of the People, The Chicago Tribune, March 7, 1994. "Illinois Personal Injury Practice Forms," West Law Publications, February, 1994. "Petrillo Doctrine, The Latest from the Supreme Court," Chicago Lawyer, January, 1994. "The Malpractice Damages Debate," The Wall Street Journal, November, 1993. "Is It Ethical for Experts to Work Both Sides?" Product Liability Law and Strategy, Leaders Publication, 1993. "Jury Persuasion: Trial Techniques & Psychological Strategies," Prentice Hall, 1993. "Collagen Ruling Illogical, Unsupported," Product Liability Law and Strategy, Leaders Publication, 1993. "The Malpractice Damages Debate," The Wall Street Journal, November 11, 1993. "Four Key Areas Help in Cross-Examining an Expert Witness," Chicago Lawyer, September, 1993. "Criticism of Malpractice Suits is Undeserved," National Law Journal, August 2, 1993. "The Art of Cross-Examining an Expert," Chicago Lawyer, June, 1993. "Can Experts be IME's for Both Sides? Should They?" Medical Malpractice Law and Strategy Newsletter, July, 1993. "Court Tackles Making Sense of Rule 220," and "Practice Tips," Chicago Lawyer, May, 1993. "Getting Picky Picking Jurors," Chicago Lawyer, 1993. "Certification Masks Competency, Could be Guise for Higher Fees," Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, April 24, 1993. "Positive Benefit in Punitive Damages," Chicago Tribune, "Voice of the People," April 24, 1993. "Wrongful Adoption Gains Acceptance," September 28, 1992, reprinted in IllinoisState Bar Journal Tort Trends publication, December, 1992. "Tort Reform is Based on False Assumptions," National Law Journal, October 19, 1992. "Beefy 'Meat and Potatoes' Trial Book Should Allow for Spice," Chicago Lawyer, September, 1992. "Little Sympathy for Defense," Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, July 14, 1992. "Great Flood Sinks Premise of Tort Reform," Crain's Chicago Business, June 29, 1992. "Win the Write Way With Mirza," Chicago Lawyer, June, 1992. "Legal Reformers Haven't Made Case," Voice of the People, Chicago Tribune, April 12, 1992. "War Stories and Maxims Target Book to Young Trial Lawyers," Chicago Lawyer, April, 1992. "PI Lawyer Calls Foul Ball on Baseball Act," Chicago Lawyer, 1992. "Insurance Companies Lied," Merrill's Illinois Legal Times, Volume 2, No. 13 (May, 1988); "Does Rule 11 Give Judges Too Much Discretion?" Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Volume 133, No. 108, 1987; "The Current Status of the Medical Malpractice Statute," Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Volume 132, No. 67, 1986; "Demonstrative Evidence," Master Advocates Handbook, 1986, National Institute for Trial Advocacy Publisher. Book Review, "Preparing Products Liability Cases by Terrence F. Kiely," Journal of the American Bar Association, Volume 72, May, 1986. "Settlement from the Plaintiff's Perspective," Professional Education Systems, Inc., Program for 1986 Settling Personal Injury Insurance Claims Seminar. "Tort Reform, Details of Legislation Approved as Response to Insurance 'Crisis'," Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Volume 132, No. 153, 1986; "Tort Reform, New Law Adopts Strict Federal Rule on Attorney Sanctions," Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Volume 132, No. 199, 1986; "The 1985 Illinois Medical Malpractice Reform Legislation Explained," Chicago Daily Bulletin, Volume 133, Nos. 157-161, 1985; " Comparative Negligence and the Jury," The Law of Comparative Negligence, 1984, Matthew-Bender Publisher. "Cross Examination of Expert Witnesses," Professional Education Systems, Inc. Program for 1983 National Products Liability Conference, Chicago. "Study of Jury Verdicts Yields Interesting Overview," Legal Times, Volume V, No. 25, 1982; "Hospital Malpractice and the Independent Contractor Defense: Hospitals Do Practice Medicine," 1981, Personal Injury Manual, Matthew-Bender Publisher. "Venue in Federal Civil Litigation," Federal Civil Practice, (1981) and updating Supplements, 1983, 1985, (Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 1983, 1985, 1987. And rewritten 1988, Supplement, 1989). "Organizing a Plaintiff's Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Law Office, "Litigation, American Bar Association Section of Litigation Journal, Volume 5, No. 4, Summer, 1979; "Proof of Damages in Amputation Cases - Plaintiffs Treating Physician, Rehabilitation Physician and Certified Prosthetist," 1979 Personal Injury Manual, Matthew-Bender Publisher. "Use and Presentation of Demonstrative Evidence," Proof of Fault in Auto Accident Cases, (1979) and updating Supplements, 1983, 1985 (ILLCE, 1983, 1985 and rewritten 1988, Updated Supplement 1990). Contributing Author: "Damages as an Element of Proof," Medical and Hospital Negligence, 1988, Callaghan & Company. Consulting Editor, Medical Malpractice Newsletter, Leader Publications, New York, 1992. Products Liability Newsletter, Leader Publications, New York, 1991. Sponsor: First Annual Clifford Seminar on Tort Law and Social Policy, "ADR and Torts: Implications for Practice and Reform," May 19, 1995. Instructor: University of Chicago College of Law. Loyola University School of Law. DePaul University College of Law. IIT Chicago-Kent Law School. John Marshall Law School. Lecturer: "Aviation Liability Into the 21st Century," American Bar Association Aviation Litigation Committee Seminar, New York, June 20, 1997. "Aviation Litigation: Trial Evidence Issues After ValuJet and TWA 800," American Bar Association Aviation Litigation Committee, Washington, D.C., April 18, 1997. "Unique Aspects of Handling Motor Vehicle Products Liability Cases," 1997 National Practice Institute's 15th Annual Conference on Products Liability Law, Chicago, April 11-12, 1997. "A Conference on the Contingency Fee," Third Annual Clifford Seminar on Tort Law and Social Policy, DePaul University College of Law and American Bar Association Section of Litigation, April 4-5, 1997. "Consumers and Alternate Dispute Resolution," CPR Institute for Dispute Resolution, New York, January 31, 1997. "Maximizing Results Through Settlement and Trial," Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Chicago, February 17, 1997. "The Do's and Don'ts of Videos as Demonstrative Evidence," Chicago Bar Association, Chicago, January 9, 1997. "Disclosure in a Law Firm: A Sexual Harassment Mock Trial," Trial Tactics and Employment, Continuing legal education, Chicago, October 9-12, 1996. "The Plaintiff's Perspective on Exclusive Federal Jurisdiction," Aviation Liability Into the 21st Century, American Bar Association, Washington, D.C., October, 1996. "Tort Law and The Science of the 21st Century," Second Annual Clifford Seminar on Tort Law, May 17, 1996. "Understanding Jurors, the Key to Winning Cases," Continuing Legal Education, Ann Arbor, May 10-11, 1996. "The Ultimate Mentoring Seminar," Jury Selection, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Chicago, May 4, 1996. "Airplane Design," Product Liability Litigation, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, January, 13, 1996. "Opening Statements," Young Lawyers Section Trial Practice Course, Chicago Bar Association, October 10. 1995; "Jury Persuasion in a Hostile Environment - The Case for Credibility," Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, November, 1994. "Trying a Case from the Plaintiff's Perspective," Chicago Bar Association, November, 1994. "Product Liability," CBA Young Lawyers Section -Tort Law Committee, October, 1994. "WHO's ON FIRST?" Treatment Decisions in a Litigious Society. What is the Human Cost? DuPage Ethics Conference, September, 1994. "Drawing First Blood: Depositions - How to use them effectively" WINNING-Advanced Trial Techniques, Continuing legal education International, October, 1993. "The Insurance Industry on Trial," Professional Liability Underwriting Society, 1993 International Conference Mock Trial, Chicago Illinois. "Presidential Face-Off, Medical Malpractice," Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, June, 1993. "'Opening Statement: Plaintiff's Program Point/Counterpoint,' Trial Advocacy From Both Sides," Breast Implant Support Group, Franklin Park, October, 1993, Seminar, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. "Medical Malpractice-Closing Argument," Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, December 5, 1992. "A Plaintiff Attorney's Approach to Malpractice Suits," Program for American Colleges of General Practitioners Education & Research Foundation, September 19, 1992. "The Art of Cross Examination," Program for The Young Lawyers Section of the CBA, Chicago Bar Association, September 17, 1992. "Discovery Practice in the 90's," Program for "A How-To Seminar Focusing on Competency, Efficiency & Civility, Chicago Bar Association, May 21, 1992. "Discovery," Program for Products Liability: In-Depth Study of Litigation Involving Products, Illinois State Bar Association, April 16, 1992. "Objections at Trial and How to Deal with the Difficult Lawyer," Program for Seminar, National Practice Institute, November 15, 1991. "How the Masters Try Cases: Hooray for Hollywood!" American Bar Association Annual Meeting, August 8, 1995. Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group, American College of Trial Lawyers Annual Convention, New York, N.Y., July 18, 1995. "Plaintiff's Case/Defendant's Case Panel, College of Health Sciences, Health Systems Management, Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke, Chicago, Illinois, April 12, 1995. "Experiments in Creative ADR," ADR and Torts: Implications for Practice and Reform, First Annual Clifford Seminar on Tort Law and Social Policy, DePaul University College of Law, May 19, 1995. Lawyers' Practice Association. University of Wisconsin School of Engineering. Chicago Bar Association Tort Law Programs. Minnesota State Bar Association. Product Liability and Deposition Practice Institute. Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, Comparative Negligence Programs, Proof of Fault Program, Negotiation Settlements Programs and Medical Malpractice Programs. Illinois Institute of Continuing Education, Expert Witnesses in Personal Injury Cases Program. Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 22nd Annual Trial Evidence Seminar. American Board of Trial Advocates, "the Masters in Trial Demonstration," 1993. American College of General Practitioners Education & Research Foundation, "A Plaintiff Attorney's Approach to Malpractice Suits, 1992. "Federal Civil Practice 1992 New Edition," Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, December 1992. Illinois State Bar Association, Products Liability, In-Depth Study of Litigation Involving Products, Similar Occurrences and Discovery, 1992. "The Adverse Witness," Program for 1987 Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 22nd Annual Trial Evidence Seminar. "Legislator, Judge and Executioner, Problems with the Imposition of Sanctions on the Court's Own Initiative," Program Materials for 1987 Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education Sanctions Seminar. "New Law and Practice Respective Changes in Comparative Negligence Standards and Joint and Several Liability," Program for 1987 Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, Tort Reform Seminar. North Suburban Bar Association. Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. Federal Bar Association. Harper College. Moderator, American Bar Association, Co-Chair, Section of Litigation, 1995 Annual Meeting. Medical Malpractice Program, 1982. American Bar Association, Mass Tort Litigation Program, 1985. Professional Education Systems, Inc. National Conference on Product Liability Law, 1983. Conference on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders, 1985. Professional Education Systems, Inc., Seminar on Settling Personal Injury Insurance Claims in Illinois, 1986. Food Marketing Institute Conference on Risk Management. Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. Association of Trial Lawyers of America. Johnson & Johnson "A" Company. Professional Excellence Program. Chicago Medical Society. New Product Development Research Corporation. Illinois State and Chicago Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Institute for Research and Development, Conference on Liability Insurance, 1986. Council of State Governments, Midwestern Legislative Conference, Business Development Task Force, 1986. Illinois Association of School Business Risk Management Conference, 1986. Illinois Association of School Business Officials, Legislative Conference, 1986. Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education, Sanctions Program, 1987. Northwest Suburban Association of Commerce and Industry, 1986. Moderator and Panelist, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, Illinois Tort Reform Program, 1986. "Plaintiff's Determination of Damages," Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, 1987. Office of the State's Attorney, Cook County, Illinois, 1987. National Conference on Products Liability Law, National Practice Institute, Inc., 1988. The American College of Surgeons, 1988. Fifth Annual Symposium: The Law, Insurance and Rehabilitation: Partnership for the Catastrophically Injured, 1988. Instructor: Illinois Psychiatric Association, Annual Conference, 1989. Panelist, The American National Bank-Trust Department, Seminar on Probate Practice and Personal Injury Settlements in the 90's: Responsibilities of Attorneys and Fiduciaries, 1990. Lecturer: " National Conference on Product Liability Law, Chicago, 1991. American Academy of Psychiatry and Law Program, Topic, "Standard of Care in Psychiatry," 1991. Member, Society of Fellows Foundation of DePaul University, 1976-1983. DePaul University, Board of Trustees, 1987. President, DePaul University Alumni Association, 1983-1985. Member, DePaul University College of Law Visiting Committee, 1982-1985. Chairman, Financial Aid Subcommittee of DePaul University College of Law Visiting Committee, 1982-1985. Member, Lex Legio Law Society of DePaul University College of Law, 1976-1983. Commission on Alumni Affairs, DePaul University, 1982-1983. DePaul University College of Law Advisory Council, 1987. Board of Directors, Chicago Executive Committee for University College Galway, Ireland, 1983-1984. Board of Directors, Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago, an affiliate of The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, 1982-1985. City of Hope Fund Raising Committees, Mike Royko and James Roberts, Junior, Benefits, 1981-1982. Product Liability ADR Development Committee, Center for Public Resources, 1985-1986. Mediation Panelist, Endispute of Chicago, and alternative dispute resolution corporation, 1982-1984. Mediator, Circuit Court of Cook County, Chicago Bar Association, Special Mediation Program for the Law Division, 1988. Instructor, Trial By Jury Program, Illinois State Fair, 1988. Member: Board of Advisory, Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, 1988. Advisory Board of Judge James A. Geroulis Educational Foundation, 1990. Member: Chicago (Chairman, Litigation Committee, 1983-1984. Vice Chairman, Tort Litigation Committee, 1982-1983. Secretary, Tort Litigation Committee, 1981-1982. Chairman, Tort Litigation Subcommittee on Pre-Judgment Interest, 1981-1982. Chairman, Tort Litigation Subcommittee on Product Liability, 1979-1981. Member, Lawyer Reference Panel Screening Committee, 1979, Tort Litigation, Civil Practice and Health and Hospital Care Committee, 1976, Committee on Committees, 1984-1986. Foundation of Fellows, 1985), Kane County, Lake County, Illinois State (Member: General Assembly, 1981-1985. Offer of Judgment Committee, 1983-1985. Special Committee on Reduction of Court Costs, Delays and Involvement, 1983-1985. Action Commission on Court Costs and Delays, 1982-1983, Foundation of Fellows, 1985. Advisory Board, Illinois Bar Foundation Fellows, 1990), Federal and American (Council Member, Section of Litigation, 1983-1986. Chairman: Professional Liability Litigation Committee, Section of Litigation, 1982-1983. Manufacturers Liability Litigation. Committee, Section of Litigation, 1980-1981. Communications Director, Section of Litigation, 1978-1980. Director, Program Marketing, Section of Litigation, 1981-1982. Member: Committee on Committees, 1981, Nominations Committee, Section of Litigation, 1981-1982, Committee on Product General Liability and Consumer Law, Section of Tort and Insurance Practice, 1978. Division Director, Section of Litigation, 1986-1987. Co-Chairman, Care and Feeding of Jurors National Institute. Co-Chairman, Section of Litigation, Annual Convention, 1994-1995) Bar Associations. Illinois Trial Lawyers Associations (Member, Membership Committee, 1980. Political Action Committee, 1983. Chairman, Committee on Medical Malpractice Legislation, 1984-1985. Member, Executive Committee, 1986. Third Vice-President, 1987. Second Vice-President, 1988. Director, College of Advocacy, 1990. President-Elect, 1989. President, 1990; Co-Chairman, Public Relations Committee, 1984-1985. Chairman, Legislative, Committee, 1985-1987. Elected Manager, 1983). Association of Trial Lawyers of America (Dean, Advanced College of Advocacy, 1986-1988. Member: Membership Committee, 1989. Board of Directors, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 1989). American College of Trial Lawyers. International Academy of Trial Lawyers. American Judicature Society. Trial Lawyers Club of Chicago. American Society of Law and Medicine. Northwest Suburban Bar Association. Master, The Chicago Inn of Court. Mr. Clifford regularly handles complex damage cases, including claims for wrongful death and personal injury arising out of aviation, product liability, railroad and medical malpractice claims. He routinely receives multimillion dollar verdicts and settlements in such cases. In one brief period of time, his verdicts ranged from $2.5 million to $24 million, all of which were upheld in post-trial proceedings. He currently has received the largest verdict in Illinois history in aviation law, $28.2 million.

Robert A. Clifford

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Background

Clifford, Robert A. was born on March 24, 1951 in Evergreen Park, Illinois, United States. Son of George Leonard andShirley Marie (Meyer) C.

Education

Bar: Illinois 1976, United States District Court (northern district) Illinois 1976, Supreme Court of the United States Court 1981. Association, Philip A. Corboy & Associations, Chicago, 1974-1982, Corboy & Demetrio, Chicago, 1982-1984. Partner Clifford & Henely, Chicago, 1984-1985, owner Robert A. Clifford and Associations, since 1985.

Consultant andlectr. in law. Mediation panelist Endispute of Chicago, since 1982.

Career

Worked at Clifford Law Offices, P.C. (Chicago, Illinois) specializing in Plaintiff's Personal Injury Litigation, Aviation Litigation, Medical and Professional Negligence, FELA, AIDS Law, Product Liability, Premises Liability, Construction Accidents, Wrongful Death Law, Vehicular Accident Law. Admitted to the bar, 1976, Illinois and United States. District Court, Northern District of Illinois including Trial Bar.

1981, United States. Supreme Court and United States. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin, 1993, United States. District Court, Central District of Illinois.

President, Blue Key, 1975-1976. Research and Development Editor, DePaul College of Law, Law Review, 1975-1976. Author: "Lights, Cameras..Action?" Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, May, 1997.

"Getting Weight Loss Centers to Fork Over," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, April, 1997. "Red Rover, Dead Rover, I Send This Suit Over," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, February, 1997. "Heart of Justice Beats Anew," Commentary, Chicago Sun-Times, February 9, 1997.

"Sorting Out the Confusion in Cramer," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, January, 1997. "Full Justice Means Assigning Blame," Voice of the People, Chicago Tribune, December 9, 1996. "Where Should Plane Crash Cases Land?" Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, November, 1996.

"Tortfight at the Accountability Corral," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, December, 1996. "Battling for Big Bucks," Litigation Magazine, American Bar Association Journal of the Section of Litigation, Fall, 1996. "Care Needed in Managed Care Revolution," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, October, 1996.

"Clearing the Haze Around College Hazing," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, September, 1996. "Covenants Ignore the Duty to Public Interest," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, August, 1996. "State Bombs Out in Fireworks Laws," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, July, 1996.

"ValuJet Crash Shows Flawed System," Voice of the People, Chicago Tribune, June 11, 1996. "Certify Candidates, But Keep the Ballot Box," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, June, 1996. "Getting Teed Off Over Golf Balls," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, May, 1996.

"An Electric Complex: Wire Service or Powered Product?" Product Liability Law Strategy, Leader Publications, New York, April, 1996. "Accountant's Facing More Tort Actions in Malpractice Cases," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, April, 1996. "Judging the Way We Chose Judges," Commentary, Chicago Sun-Times, April 13, 1996.

"Families Target Therapists in Memory Cases," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, March, 1996. "Beware Real Costs of Managed Care," Voice of the People, Chicago Tribune, February 26, 1996. "Fevered Debate Over Inconsistent Coverage," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, February, 1996.

"Families Target Therapists in Memory Cases," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, February, 1966. "Health Effects of Cellular Phones on Hold," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, January, 1996. "Dollar Signs at Railroad Crossing," Chicago Tribune, Voice of the People, December 1, 1995.

"Two States Give Battered Women Tort Option," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, December, 1995. "Charting the Court of Nurse's Liabilty," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, November, 1995. "O.J. Faces Different Set of Rules in Civil Cases," The Forum, Chicago Sun-Times, October, 1995.

"Expansion of Good Samaritan Act Not an Act of Kindness," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, August, 1995. "To Be a Trial Lawyer," F. Lee Baily Book Review, Trial Magazine, June, 1995. "When Does Death Occur?" Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, July, 1995.

"Hot Pursuit - Car Chases Lead to Pursuit of Chase Standards," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, June, 1995. "When Lightning Struck," Chicago Bar Record, May, 1995. ""Whatever Happened to Debate Compromise?" Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, May 22, 1995.

"Short-Sighted Legislators Wearing I-Glasses," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, May, 1995. "Litigation Reform: Who Benefits Most?" Commentary, Chicago Sun-Times, May 6, 1995. "Gramm Bill Aids Industry for the Health of It," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, April, 1995.

"Workplace Violence Generates Two Kinds of Tort," National Law Journal, April 17, 1995. "Court, IRS Disagree on Whether Punitive Damages Taxable," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, March 1995. Victims Lose in Capping Damages," Voice of the People, Chicago Tribune, March 26, 1995.

"Forecast: Storm Warning for Meteorologists," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, February, 1995. "Mock Trials Offer Virtual Reality," National Law Journal, February 27, 1995. "Product Liability, What You Don't Know Can Hurt You," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, January, 1995.

"Capping Damages Hurt Victims Rights," Voice of the People, Chicago Tribune, December 27, 1994. "Toy Industry Needs to Stop Playing Around With Child Safety," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, December, 1994. "New Liability Infects Hospitals that Catch Marketing Fever," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, November, 1994.

"Negligent Tort Reform," Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, November 3, 1994. "Government is Best that Plays Sports Least," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, October 1994. "Marketing Tools May Increase Hospitals' Liability Exposure," Illinois State Bar Newsletter, October, 1994.

"Litany of Litigation Survey of Lawyers Can't be Called Objective," Chicago Sun-Times, Commentary, October 8, 1994. "Justice System Corrects Its Outrage," Chicago Tribune, "Voice of the People," September 29, 1994. "Skill at Taking Depositions Brings Victory in the Courtroom," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, September, 1994.

"It's Duck Season: Public's Safety Under the Gun," National Law Journal, Podium, August 22, 1994. "Like Travel, Travel Litigation is Broadening," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, August, 1994. "Tort Surgery will Fail to Excise Health Costs," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, July, 1994.

"Aviation Industry Putting its Head in Clouds," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, June, 1994. "Malpractice Suits Do Not Inflate Health Costs," National Law Journal, May 16, 1994, reprinted in Illinois Medicine, June 3, 1994. "The False Issue of Malpractice Costs," The Wall Street Journal, May 10, 1994.

"All Lawyers Face Urgent Need for Restoration of Mentoring," Clifford's Notes, Chicago Lawyer, May 1994. "Proposal on Physician-Patient Privilege Would Send Public Policy up in Smoke," Law Day Issue, Chicago Law Bulletin, April 23, 1994. "Big Business of Medical Care," Medical Malpractice Law and Strategy, Leader Publication, April, 1994.

"Must Hold Purveyors of Gun Liable," Voice of the People, The Chicago Tribune, March 7, 1994. "Illinois Personal Injury Practice Forms," West Law Publications, February, 1994. "Petrillo Doctrine, The Latest from the Supreme Court," Chicago Lawyer, January, 1994.

"The Malpractice Damages Debate," The Wall Street Journal, November, 1993. "Is It Ethical for Experts to Work Both Sides?" Product Liability Law and Strategy, Leaders Publication, 1993. "Jury Persuasion: Trial Techniques & Psychological Strategies," Prentice Hall, 1993.

"Collagen Ruling Illogical, Unsupported," Product Liability Law and Strategy, Leaders Publication, 1993. "The Malpractice Damages Debate," The Wall Street Journal, November 11, 1993. "Four Key Areas Help in Cross-Examining an Expert Witness," Chicago Lawyer, September, 1993.

"Criticism of Malpractice Suits is Undeserved," National Law Journal, August 2, 1993. "The Art of Cross-Examining an Expert," Chicago Lawyer, June, 1993. "Can Experts be IME's for Both Sides? Should They?" Medical Malpractice Law and Strategy Newsletter, July, 1993.

"Court Tackles Making Sense of Rule 220," and "Practice Tips," Chicago Lawyer, May, 1993. "Getting Picky Picking Jurors," Chicago Lawyer, 1993. "Certification Masks Competency, Could be Guise for Higher Fees," Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, April 24, 1993.

"Positive Benefit in Punitive Damages," Chicago Tribune, "Voice of the People," April 24, 1993. "Wrongful Adoption Gains Acceptance," September 28, 1992, reprinted in IllinoisState Bar Journal Tort Trends publication, December, 1992. "Tort Reform is Based on False Assumptions," National Law Journal, October 19, 1992.

"Beefy 'Meat and Potatoes' Trial Book Should Allow for Spice," Chicago Lawyer, September, 1992. "Little Sympathy for Defense," Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, July 14, 1992. "Great Flood Sinks Premise of Tort Reform," Crain's Chicago Business, June 29, 1992.

"Win the Write Way With Mirza," Chicago Lawyer, June, 1992. "Legal Reformers Haven't Made Case," Voice of the People, Chicago Tribune, April 12, 1992. "War Stories and Maxims Target Book to Young Trial Lawyers," Chicago Lawyer, April, 1992.

"PI Lawyer Calls Foul Ball on Baseball Act," Chicago Lawyer, 1992. "Insurance Companies Lied," Merrill's Illinois Legal Times, Volume 2, No. 13 (May, 1988); "Does Rule 11 Give Judges Too Much Discretion?" Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Volume 133, No.

108, 1987; "The Current Status of the Medical Malpractice Statute," Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Volume 132, No. 67, 1986; "Demonstrative Evidence," Master Advocates Handbook, 1986, National Institute for Trial Advocacy Publisher. Book Review, "Preparing Products Liability Cases by Terrence F. Kiely," Journal of the American Bar Association, Volume 72, May, 1986.

"Settlement from the Plaintiff's Perspective," Professional Education Systems, Inc., Program for 1986 Settling Personal Injury Insurance Claims Seminar. "Tort Reform, Details of Legislation Approved as Response to Insurance 'Crisis'," Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Volume 132, No. 153, 1986; "Tort Reform, New Law Adopts Strict Federal Rule on Attorney Sanctions," Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Volume 132, No.

199, 1986; "The 1985 Illinois Medical Malpractice Reform Legislation Explained," Chicago Daily Bulletin, Volume 133, Nos. 157-161, 1985; " Comparative Negligence and the Jury," The Law of Comparative Negligence, 1984, Matthew-Bender Publisher. "Cross Examination of Expert Witnesses," Professional Education Systems, Inc.

Program for 1983 National Products Liability Conference, Chicago. "Study of Jury Verdicts Yields Interesting Overview," Legal Times, Volume V, No. 25, 1982; "Hospital Malpractice and the Independent Contractor Defense: Hospitals Do Practice Medicine," 1981, Personal Injury Manual, Matthew-Bender Publisher.

"Venue in Federal Civil Litigation," Federal Civil Practice, (1981) and updating Supplements, 1983, 1985, (Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 1983, 1985, 1987. And rewritten 1988, Supplement, 1989). "Organizing a Plaintiff's Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Law Office, "Litigation, American Bar Association Section of Litigation Journal, Volume 5, No.

4, Summer, 1979; "Proof of Damages in Amputation Cases - Plaintiffs Treating Physician, Rehabilitation Physician and Certified Prosthetist," 1979 Personal Injury Manual, Matthew-Bender Publisher. "Use and Presentation of Demonstrative Evidence," Proof of Fault in Auto Accident Cases, (1979) and updating Supplements, 1983, 1985 (ILLCE, 1983, 1985 and rewritten 1988, Updated Supplement 1990). Contributing Author: "Damages as an Element of Proof," Medical and Hospital Negligence, 1988, Callaghan & Company.

Consulting Editor, Medical Malpractice Newsletter, Leader Publications, New York, 1992. Products Liability Newsletter, Leader Publications, New York, 1991. Sponsor: First Annual Clifford Seminar on Tort Law and Social Policy, "ADR and Torts: Implications for Practice and Reform," May 19, 1995.

Instructor: University of Chicago College of Law. Loyola University School of Law. DePaul University College of Law.

IIT Chicago-Kent Law School. John Marshall Law School. Lecturer: "Aviation Liability Into the 21st Century," American Bar Association Aviation Litigation Committee Seminar, New York, June 20, 1997.

"Aviation Litigation: Trial Evidence Issues After ValuJet and TWA 800," American Bar Association Aviation Litigation Committee, Washington, D.C., April 18, 1997. "Unique Aspects of Handling Motor Vehicle Products Liability Cases," 1997 National Practice Institute's 15th Annual Conference on Products Liability Law, Chicago, April 11-12, 1997. "A Conference on the Contingency Fee," Third Annual Clifford Seminar on Tort Law and Social Policy, DePaul University College of Law and American Bar Association Section of Litigation, April 4-5, 1997.

"Consumers and Alternate Dispute Resolution," CPR Institute for Dispute Resolution, New York, January 31, 1997. "Maximizing Results Through Settlement and Trial," Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Chicago, February 17, 1997. "The Do's and Don'ts of Videos as Demonstrative Evidence," Chicago Bar Association, Chicago, January 9, 1997.

"Disclosure in a Law Firm: A Sexual Harassment Mock Trial," Trial Tactics and Employment, Continuing legal education, Chicago, October 9-12, 1996. "The Plaintiff's Perspective on Exclusive Federal Jurisdiction," Aviation Liability Into the 21st Century, American Bar Association, Washington, D.C., October, 1996. "Tort Law and The Science of the 21st Century," Second Annual Clifford Seminar on Tort Law, May 17, 1996.

"Understanding Jurors, the Key to Winning Cases," Continuing Legal Education, Ann Arbor, May 10-11, 1996. "The Ultimate Mentoring Seminar," Jury Selection, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Chicago, May 4, 1996. "Airplane Design," Product Liability Litigation, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, January, 13, 1996.

"Opening Statements," Young Lawyers Section Trial Practice Course, Chicago Bar Association, October 10. 1995; "Jury Persuasion in a Hostile Environment - The Case for Credibility," Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, November, 1994. "Trying a Case from the Plaintiff's Perspective," Chicago Bar Association, November, 1994.

"Product Liability," CBA Young Lawyers Section -Tort Law Committee, October, 1994. "WHO's ON FIRST?" Treatment Decisions in a Litigious Society. What is the Human Cost? DuPage Ethics Conference, September, 1994.

"Drawing First Blood: Depositions - How to use them effectively" WINNING-Advanced Trial Techniques, Continuing legal education International, October, 1993. "The Insurance Industry on Trial," Professional Liability Underwriting Society, 1993 International Conference Mock Trial, Chicago Illinois. "Presidential Face-Off, Medical Malpractice," Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, June, 1993.

"'Opening Statement: Plaintiff's Program Point/Counterpoint,' Trial Advocacy From Both Sides," Breast Implant Support Group, Franklin Park, October, 1993, Seminar, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. "Medical Malpractice-Closing Argument," Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, December 5, 1992. "A Plaintiff Attorney's Approach to Malpractice Suits," Program for American Colleges of General Practitioners Education & Research Foundation, September 19, 1992.

"The Art of Cross Examination," Program for The Young Lawyers Section of the CBA, Chicago Bar Association, September 17, 1992. "Discovery Practice in the 90's," Program for "A How-To Seminar Focusing on Competency, Efficiency & Civility, Chicago Bar Association, May 21, 1992. "Discovery," Program for Products Liability: In-Depth Study of Litigation Involving Products, Illinois State Bar Association, April 16, 1992.

"Objections at Trial and How to Deal with the Difficult Lawyer," Program for Seminar, National Practice Institute, November 15, 1991. "How the Masters Try Cases: Hooray for Hollywood!" American Bar Association Annual Meeting, August 8, 1995. Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group, American College of Trial Lawyers Annual Convention, New York, N.Y., July 18, 1995.

"Plaintiff's Case/Defendant's Case Panel, College of Health Sciences, Health Systems Management, Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke, Chicago, Illinois, April 12, 1995. "Experiments in Creative ADR," ADR and Torts: Implications for Practice and Reform, First Annual Clifford Seminar on Tort Law and Social Policy, DePaul University College of Law, May 19, 1995. Lawyers' Practice Association.

University of Wisconsin School of Engineering. Chicago Bar Association Tort Law Programs. Minnesota State Bar Association.

Product Liability and Deposition Practice Institute. Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, Comparative Negligence Programs, Proof of Fault Program, Negotiation Settlements Programs and Medical Malpractice Programs. Illinois Institute of Continuing Education, Expert Witnesses in Personal Injury Cases Program.

Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 22nd Annual Trial Evidence Seminar. American Board of Trial Advocates, "the Masters in Trial Demonstration," 1993. American College of General Practitioners Education & Research Foundation, "A Plaintiff Attorney's Approach to Malpractice Suits, 1992.

"Federal Civil Practice 1992 New Edition," Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, December 1992. Illinois State Bar Association, Products Liability, In-Depth Study of Litigation Involving Products, Similar Occurrences and Discovery, 1992. "The Adverse Witness," Program for 1987 Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 22nd Annual Trial Evidence Seminar.

"Legislator, Judge and Executioner, Problems with the Imposition of Sanctions on the Court's Own Initiative," Program Materials for 1987 Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education Sanctions Seminar. "New Law and Practice Respective Changes in Comparative Negligence Standards and Joint and Several Liability," Program for 1987 Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, Tort Reform Seminar. North Suburban Bar Association.

Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. Federal Bar Association. Harper College. Moderator, American Bar Association, Co-Chair, Section of Litigation, 1995 Annual Meeting.

Medical Malpractice Program, 1982. American Bar Association, Mass Tort Litigation Program, 1985. Professional Education Systems, Inc.

National Conference on Product Liability Law, 1983. Conference on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders, 1985. Professional Education Systems, Inc., Seminar on Settling Personal Injury Insurance Claims in Illinois, 1986.

Food Marketing Institute Conference on Risk Management. Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. Association of Trial Lawyers of America.

Johnson & Johnson "A" Company. Professional Excellence Program. Chicago Medical Society.

New Product Development Research Corporation. Illinois State and Chicago Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Institute for Research and Development, Conference on Liability Insurance, 1986.

Council of State Governments, Midwestern Legislative Conference, Business Development Task Force, 1986. Illinois Association of School Business Risk Management Conference, 1986. Illinois Association of School Business Officials, Legislative Conference, 1986.

Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education, Sanctions Program, 1987. Northwest Suburban Association of Commerce and Industry, 1986. Moderator and Panelist, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, Illinois Tort Reform Program, 1986.

"Plaintiff's Determination of Damages," Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, 1987. Office of the State's Attorney, Cook County, Illinois, 1987. National Conference on Products Liability Law, National Practice Institute, Inc., 1988.

The American College of Surgeons, 1988. Fifth Annual Symposium: The Law, Insurance and Rehabilitation: Partnership for the Catastrophically Injured, 1988. Instructor: Illinois Psychiatric Association, Annual Conference, 1989.

Panelist, The American National Bank-Trust Department, Seminar on Probate Practice and Personal Injury Settlements in the 90's: Responsibilities of Attorneys and Fiduciaries, 1990. Lecturer: " National Conference on Product Liability Law, Chicago, 1991. American Academy of Psychiatry and Law Program, Topic, "Standard of Care in Psychiatry," 1991.

Member, Society of Fellows Foundation of DePaul University, 1976-1983. DePaul University, Board of Trustees, 1987. President, DePaul University Alumni Association, 1983-1985.

Member, DePaul University College of Law Visiting Committee, 1982-1985. Chairman, Financial Aid Subcommittee of DePaul University College of Law Visiting Committee, 1982-1985. Member, Lex Legio Law Society of DePaul University College of Law, 1976-1983.

Commission on Alumni Affairs, DePaul University, 1982-1983. DePaul University College of Law Advisory Council, 1987. Board of Directors, Chicago Executive Committee for University College Galway, Ireland, 1983-1984.

Board of Directors, Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago, an affiliate of The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, 1982-1985. City of Hope Fund Raising Committees, Mike Royko and James Roberts, Junior, Benefits, 1981-1982. Product Liability ADR Development Committee, Center for Public Resources, 1985-1986.

Mediation Panelist, Endispute of Chicago, and alternative dispute resolution corporation, 1982-1984. Mediator, Circuit Court of Cook County, Chicago Bar Association, Special Mediation Program for the Law Division, 1988. Instructor, Trial By Jury Program, Illinois State Fair, 1988.

Member: Board of Advisory, Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, 1988. Advisory Board of Judge James A. Geroulis Educational Foundation, 1990. Member: Chicago (Chairman, Litigation Committee, 1983-1984.

Vice Chairman, Tort Litigation Committee, 1982-1983. Secretary, Tort Litigation Committee, 1981-1982. Chairman, Tort Litigation Subcommittee on Pre-Judgment Interest, 1981-1982.

Chairman, Tort Litigation Subcommittee on Product Liability, 1979-1981. Member, Lawyer Reference Panel Screening Committee, 1979, Tort Litigation, Civil Practice and Health and Hospital Care Committee, 1976, Committee on Committees, 1984-1986. Foundation of Fellows, 1985), Kane County, Lake County, Illinois State (Member: General Assembly, 1981-1985.

Offer of Judgment Committee, 1983-1985. Special Committee on Reduction of Court Costs, Delays and Involvement, 1983-1985. Action Commission on Court Costs and Delays, 1982-1983, Foundation of Fellows, 1985.

Advisory Board, Illinois Bar Foundation Fellows, 1990), Federal and American (Council Member, Section of Litigation, 1983-1986. Chairman: Professional Liability Litigation Committee, Section of Litigation, 1982-1983. Manufacturers Liability Litigation.

Committee, Section of Litigation, 1980-1981. Communications Director, Section of Litigation, 1978-1980. Director, Program Marketing, Section of Litigation, 1981-1982.

Member: Committee on Committees, 1981, Nominations Committee, Section of Litigation, 1981-1982, Committee on Product General Liability and Consumer Law, Section of Tort and Insurance Practice, 1978. Division Director, Section of Litigation, 1986-1987. Co-Chairman, Care and Feeding of Jurors National Institute.

Co-Chairman, Section of Litigation, Annual Convention, 1994-1995) Bar Associations. Illinois Trial Lawyers Associations (Member, Membership Committee, 1980. Political Action Committee, 1983.

Chairman, Committee on Medical Malpractice Legislation, 1984-1985. Member, Executive Committee, 1986. Third Vice-President, 1987.

Second Vice-President, 1988. Director, College of Advocacy, 1990. President-Elect, 1989.

President, 1990; Co-Chairman, Public Relations Committee, 1984-1985. Chairman, Legislative, Committee, 1985-1987. Elected Manager, 1983).

Association of Trial Lawyers of America (Dean, Advanced College of Advocacy, 1986-1988. Member: Membership Committee, 1989. Board of Directors, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 1989).

American College of Trial Lawyers. International Academy of Trial Lawyers. American Judicature Society.

Trial Lawyers Club of Chicago. American Society of Law and Medicine. Northwest Suburban Bar Association.

Master, The Chicago Inn of Court. Mr. Clifford regularly handles complex damage cases, including claims for wrongful death and personal injury arising out of aviation, product liability, railroad and medical malpractice claims. He routinely receives multimillion dollar verdicts and settlements in such cases.

In one brief period of time, his verdicts ranged from $2.5 million to $24 million, all of which were upheld in post-trial proceedings. He currently has received the largest verdict in Illinois history in aviation law, $28.2 million.

Membership

Member, Society of Fellows Foundation of DePaul University, 1976-1983. DePaul University, Board of Trustees, 1987. President, DePaul University Alumni Association, 1983-1985.

Member, DePaul University College of Law Visiting Committee, 1982-1985. Chairman, Financial Aid Subcommittee of DePaul University College of Law Visiting Committee, 1982-1985. Member, Lex Legio Law Society of DePaul University College of Law, 1976-1983.

Commission on Alumni Affairs, DePaul University, 1982-1983. DePaul University College of Law Advisory Council, 1987. Board of Directors, Chicago Executive Committee for University College Galway, Ireland, 1983-1984.

Board of Directors, Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago, an affiliate of The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, 1982-1985. City of Hope Fund Raising Committees, Mike Royko and James Roberts, Junior, Benefits, 1981-1982. Product Liability ADR Development Committee, Center for Public Resources, 1985-1986.

Mediation Panelist, Endispute of Chicago, and alternative dispute resolution corporation, 1982-1984. Mediator, Circuit Court of Cook County, Chicago Bar Association, Special Mediation Program for the Law Division, 1988. Instructor, Trial By Jury Program, Illinois State Fair, 1988.

Member: Board of Advisory, Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, 1988. Advisory Board of Judge James A. Geroulis Educational Foundation, 1990. Member: Chicago (Chairman, Litigation Committee, 1983-1984.

Vice Chairman, Tort Litigation Committee, 1982-1983. Secretary, Tort Litigation Committee, 1981-1982. Chairman, Tort Litigation Subcommittee on Pre-Judgment Interest, 1981-1982.

Chairman, Tort Litigation Subcommittee on Product Liability, 1979-1981. Member, Lawyer Reference Panel Screening Committee, 1979, Tort Litigation, Civil Practice and Health and Hospital Care Committee, 1976, Committee on Committees, 1984-1986. Foundation of Fellows, 1985), Kane County, Lake County, Illinois State (Member: General Assembly, 1981-1985.

Offer of Judgment Committee, 1983-1985. Special Committee on Reduction of Court Costs, Delays and Involvement, 1983-1985. Action Commission on Court Costs and Delays, 1982-1983, Foundation of Fellows, 1985.

Advisory Board, Illinois Bar Foundation Fellows, 1990), Federal and American (Council Member, Section of Litigation, 1983-1986.

Connections

Married Joan Elizabeth Makowski, July 29, 1973;children— Erin Elizabeth, Tracy Annual. Children: Erin Elizabeth, Tracy Annual.

Father:: George Leonard Clifford
Spouse:: Joan Elizabeth Makowski
child:: Tracy Ann Clifford
child:: Erin Elizabeth Clifford

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Robert A. Clifford

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