Community Involvement

DePaul University College of Law has announced that Andrew Hammond, an associate professor at Indiana University Maurer School of Law, has been named the 2025 Clifford Scholar-in-Residence. A committee of leading civil justice faculty examined the work of professors nationwide who have contributed to the field of tort law and chose Hammond as the national “rising star” in civil justice and this year’s Scholar. Professor Hammond writes and teaches in the areas of administrative law,…

Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) Young Lawyers Division (YLD) members Courtney Berlin, associate at Clifford Law Offices; Olivia Basu, Senior Associate at Hammer Serna & Quinn LLC;  and Priya Thennarasu, Associate at Much Shelist, spearheaded a “speed networking” and wine tasting event to be held March 21. The event is designed to provide young lawyers with the opportunity to connect with experienced mentors from various fields of law. Some ISBA mentors at the event include…

Sarah F. King, partner at Clifford Law Offices, spoke on Trial Trends: Clips & Questionnaires at the Municipal District Advisory Committee Monthly Meeting on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in Room 1307 of the Daley Center. King is President of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI). She is also very active in several women-related legal and community activities, including Women Everywhere: Partners in Service Project, which is a collaborative effort coordinating volunteer activities to help…

Courtney A. Berlin, associate at Clifford Law Offices, joined fellow ISBA members in hosting a table at DePaul University College of Law on February 27. Berlin was among a group of Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) members who engaged with law students, providing insights on professional growth and career development. She helped educate law students about the legal profession and the valuable resources provided by the ISBA. Law students can enjoy free ISBA membership for…

Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner of Clifford Law Offices, and Irwin Chemerinsky, Professor of Berkeley School of Law, spoke on March 7 in a program entitled “Plaintiff-Side Litigation: Scholars and Practitioners in Dialogue.” The day-long symposium was co-sponsored by the American Bar Foundation, UC Berkeley School of Law Civil Justice Research Initiative, with additional support from the American Association for Justice. The program brought together scholars’ and practitioners’ perspectives on the plaintiff-side practice…

Nationally renowned attorneys and judges staged an ancient Greek trial about the controversial Athenian hero Themistocles CHICAGO (February 18, 2025)—The National Hellenic Museum (NHM) presented the next installation of its popular Trial series with The Trial of Themistocles on April 1, 2025, at the Harris Theater in Chicago. At this dynamic live event, nationally renowned attorneys argued a case regarding Themistocles, one of ancient Athens’ most celebrated yet controversial figures, before a panel of esteemed…

The Diversity Scholarship Foundation (DSF) awarded Sarah F. King, partner at Clifford Law Offices, its 2025 Advocate for Diversity Award. King, who serves as President of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois, was awarded the honor at the Foundation’s 2025 Unity Award Gala and 21st Swearing-In of Bar Presidents Ceremony on January 16, 2025, at the JW Marriott Chicago. This award celebrates those individuals who have actively advocated and promoted diversity and inclusion in the…

Robert P. Walsh, Jr., partner at Clifford Law Offices, has been re-appointed to another three-year term by the Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Character and Fitness, Second District. The Committee on Character and Fitness evaluates the moral character and general fitness of applicants to practice law in Illinois. He was initially appointed to the Committee by the state’s highest court in 2021. Walsh, having been with Clifford Law Offices for more than 30 years, concentrates…

Robert Clifford ’69, philanthropist, successful attorney, and founder/senior partner of Clifford Law Offices, was recognized as a “Distinguished Alumni” at the 2nd annual “A Night of Honor, Glory, and Fame” on Saturday, December 7th, 2024, at the Larry Tucker Marist SportsPlex. During the event, Clifford announced a generous $1 million gift to Marist High School in support of its ongoing mission and growth. The funding will support scholarships and financial aid to Marist students. Clifford’s…