Bradley M. Cosgrove traces his life’s work as a trial lawyer to a childhood trauma that sent his family into a federal courtroom and left both parents with lasting injuries. Witnessing their jury trial at age 10, he saw how the civil justice system could stand up for people at their most vulnerable—a moment that set his course to become one of Chicago’s most respected personal injury attorneys.
Cosgrove, now a partner at Clifford Law Offices, has built a career around meticulous preparation, tenacity, and client compassion. He credits his courtroom readiness as a competitive edge, embracing early advice to be the hardest worker in every trial. That mindset has translated into record-setting results in medical malpractice, trucking and auto collisions, and wrongful death cases, including a $56 million jury verdict in 2025—among the largest Illinois verdicts against a plastic surgeon.
His success has also brought national recognition. Cosgrove has been named to the Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers and inducted into the Inner Circle of Advocates, an invitation-only organization of 100 of the nation’s top plaintiff trial lawyers—one of the profession’s most selective honors.
Mentorship anchors his story. Two figures shaped his path: John Ambrose, who represented his family after the accident and later gave him a high school job, and Bob Clifford, founder of Clifford Law Offices, who pushed him to try cases from day one. Carrying that forward, Cosgrove has invested heavily in the next generation. He has long coached and sponsored the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law’s mock trial team, and in 2024 the school named its annual mock trial competition in his honor, recognizing both his trial accomplishments and his years of guidance to aspiring advocates.
Cosgrove’s profile underscores the human side of plaintiff work: behind major verdicts are families seeking accountability, safety, and stability after life-altering harm. His journey from courtroom observer to courtroom advocate shows how personal experience can inspire a career dedicated to helping others.
Additional context and commentary:
– Preparation as a principle: Cosgrove’s emphasis on never being outworked reflects a broader truth in trial practice—thorough preparation can narrow the advantage gap, especially when facing well-resourced defendants.
– The role of civil justice: Large verdicts in catastrophic injury and medical malpractice cases often do more than compensate victims. They can drive institutional change by encouraging safer practices and stronger oversight.
– Mentorship as a multiplier: By training and supporting mock trial students, Cosgrove is helping sustain a pipeline of skilled, ethical trial lawyers. That investment pays dividends for clients and communities long beyond any single case.
Summary:
– A childhood courtroom experience set Bradley M. Cosgrove on a path to plaintiff advocacy.
– Known for relentless preparation, he has secured record outcomes, including a $56 million wrongful death verdict in 2025 against a plastic surgeon.
– He has received national accolades, including recognition by Lawdragon and induction into the Inner Circle of Advocates.
– Guided by mentors John Ambrose and Bob Clifford, Cosgrove now mentors students at UIC Law; the school named its 2024 mock trial competition after him.
– His story highlights how dedication, preparation, and mentorship can translate personal adversity into community impact.