Partner // Clifford Law Offices
Description of your practice:
As a partner at Clifford Law Offices I represent individuals and families whose lives have been impacted by catastrophic injury or death. Our firm is a recognized leader in aviation, transportation, personal injury, and wrongful death cases. I focus my practice on representing victims of medical negligence, including many women who have experienced serious complications during childbirth or delivered a baby who suffered permanent birth injuries.
Why are you a member of the WBAI?
When I first started practicing I was looking for an organization that would connect me with other women lawyers from diverse areas of practice. I wanted to find a space in the profession where I could grow my network and make lasting friendships. The WBAI turned out to be exactly what I needed. I started volunteering on the WBAI newsletter committee where I wrote and edited articles. Since then I have served on and chaired numerous committees and attended an uncountable number of WBAI events. Along the way, I made friends that will last a lifetime and met the women who I call at midnight during a trial when I need to rehearse my closing argument for the 100th time!
Today I am a member of the WBAI and a Director on the WBAI Board to create opportunities for women lawyers and to lift-up our future leaders.
What do you think is the best way to empower women in law?
The WBAI is one of the largest bar associations in the state of Illinois. That in and of itself is empowering! Amazing things happen when women stand together in these kinds of numbers and commit to promoting the interests of female lawyers. On a smaller scale, women in law can empower each other in little ways every day by referring business to our fellow female colleagues, reposting articles we each write, celebrating each other’s achievements, and sharing our experiences.
What are you most looking forward to in the following year, personally/professionally?
Professionally, I cannot wait to get back in front of a jury. I love trying cases! There is nothing quite like helping someone achieve justice by exercising their 7th amendment right to a jury trial. COVID-19 has made trials a little trickier but not impossible. I am looking forward to helping our justice system get back up and running. Personally, my sister is getting married this year and I’m the MOH!
Tell us something interesting about you.
When I was in grade school, I was in an all-girl rock band named George Washington and the Push-Up Bras. I was the drummer. Also, during the pandemic, my husband and I took up kayaking!