Kevin P. Durkin, partner at Clifford Law Offices.
When navigating the complexities of aviation accident litigation, few can match the experience and demonstrated record of success of Kevin P. Durkin. A partner at Clifford Law Offices, a nationally ranked and internationally recognized personal injury firm in Chicago, Mr. Durkin has been involved in nearly every major commercial airline crash over the last four decades, often serving as lead counsel. His blend of deep legal knowledge and tireless work ethic has made him a powerful force in the fight for justice and accountability in aviation disasters.
Highlighting a distinguished career in aviation litigation, Mr. Durkin has been recognized as the 2025 “Lawyer of the Year” for Aviation Law in Chicago by Best Lawyers®, a prestigious honor he has held for three years. Receiving this designation reflects the high level of respect a lawyer has earned among other leading lawyers in the same communities and practice areas for their abilities, professionalism, and integrity.
Among his many aviation case results, Mr. Durkin was part of the plaintiffs’ team in which a $110 million settlement was negotiated for several families in the American Airlines Flight 4184 crash in Roselawn, Indiana. He also served as one of three members of the Management Committee leading the complex litigation in the tragedy of Alaska Air Flight 261 that crashed in the Pacific Ocean in 2000 en route to Seattle from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He took dozens of depositions, including those of the top engineers in the case against the airline and Boeing, despite the NTSB giving the corporate giant a virtual pass. In addition, Mr. Durkin obtained more than $40 million in settlements on behalf of seven families who lost loved ones, including the largest of the 90 cases settled in that mass disaster litigation. His dedication to seeking justice, alongside the skilled team at Clifford Law Offices, has set a high bar for aviation law and industry-wide policy reform.
Currently, Mr. Durkin represents numerous families that lost loved ones in the pending litigation in federal district court against Boeing in the tragic 2019 crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302.
Kevin Durkin’s recognition as the 2025 “Lawyer of the Year” in Aviation Law by Best Lawyers® for the third consecutive year is a testament to his leadership, advocacy, and relentless commitment to holding corporations accountable for their actions. Congratulations!