Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, is a recipient of the 2024 American Bar Association (ABA) Presidential Citation.
The award, recognizing Clifford’s exceptional dedication to upholding the principles of justice, integrity, and professionalism, will be presented by ABA President Mary Smith at a dinner before the ABA Board of Governors on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, at the Chicago Club, 81 E. Van Buren St.
Known for his longtime dedication and generosity to furthering the legal profession, Robert Clifford will be honored for his more than three decades of service to the ABA, including most recently as co-chair of the 2024 Annual Meeting. He previously served the ABA as an Illinois state delegate in the House of Delegates, chair of the Litigation Section and Fund for Justice and Education, and as a board member of the Rule of Law Initiative. He is a former president of the Chicago Bar Association, Chicago Inn of Court, and Illinois Trial Lawyers Association.
The citation notes Clifford’s “extraordinary lifetime of service to the legal profession and for his unwavering dedication to civility and professionalism including through promoting intellectually rigorous initiatives such as the Annual Clifford Symposium on Tort Law and Social Justice, now in its 30th year, that gives meaningful expression to the civil justice system serving the vital interests of American society.”
With a career spanning nearly 50 years, Clifford has established himself as a beacon of excellence in the legal community. His unwavering commitment to advocating for clients’ rights and promoting legal ethics has earned him respect and admiration from peers and clients alike.
In addition to his remarkable legal achievements, Clifford is known for his philanthropic efforts and community involvement. He has demonstrated a deep sense of social responsibility through his support of various pro bono initiatives and charitable organizations, particularly his offering free continuing legal education to lawyers across several states on ethics, wellness, and topics impacting consumers and tort law.
Receiving the American Bar Association Presidential Citation is a testament to Clifford’s exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to the legal profession. The citation serves as a well-deserved recognition of his outstanding contributions and serves as an inspiration to aspiring lawyers.
The ABA is the largest voluntary association of lawyers in the world. As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law.