Atty. Scott Kater
Scott J. Kater is a partner at Clifford Law Offices , bringing nearly a decade of litigation and trial experience to the firm’s nationally and internationally recognized catastrophic injury practice.
Legal Malpractice Law & More Attorney · Serving Chicago, IL
Profile Summary
About Scott Kater at a Glance
Scott Kater is a medical malpractice attorney based in Chicago, Illinois, practicing at Clifford Law Offices. Educated at Loyola University Chicago (J.D., 2016). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Legal Malpractice Law (2026) and Best Lawyers in America — Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants (2026). Serves clients in Chicago, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
Get Legal Help from Scott Kater in Chicago
Sign up free and choose one of the two methods below.
Have a legal question? Sign up free, submit it through the Ask the Attorney module and receive a focused answer from a specialist.
- Free to ask a question
- Answers from specialist attorneys
- Optional private / anonymous question
Request an online video meeting or an in-person consultation at the attorney's office. Pick a time that works for you and share the details securely.
- Online video meeting
- In-person at the attorney's office
- Secure messaging and payment
About Scott Kater
- Scott J. Kater is a partner at Clifford Law Offices, bringing nearly a decade of litigation and trial experience to the firm’s nationally and internationally recognized catastrophic injury practice
- His work strengthens the firm’s ability to advocate for individuals and families seeking accountability from medical providers, institutions, and corporations
- Mr. Kater plays a key role in advancing the firm’s mission to hold negligent parties accountable and pursue justice for those who have suffered serious and life-altering injuries
- Mr. Kater focuses his practice on Chicago medical malpractice cases and professional negligence matters, with experience handling complex claims involving physicians, hospitals, medical groups, and healthcare institutions
- His approach is grounded in disciplined preparation, sound judgment, and a client-centered philosophy, supported by strong leadership and effective public speaking skills developed through extensive courtroom advocacy
- His work reinforces the firm’s longstanding reputation for excellence in catastrophic injury litigation while guiding clients through life’s most challenging moments
- His litigation background, which includes experience in general liability, premises liability, product liability, institutional negligence, and related high-exposure litigation, spans all phases of casework, including pre-suit investigation, discovery, trial, and appeal
- He regularly applies advanced legal research skills to develop case strategy, evaluate liability, and address complex medical and institutional issues
- Before joining Clifford Law Offices, Mr. Kater represented hospitals, medical providers, manufacturers, and multinational corporations in matters involving catastrophic injury and allegations of professional negligence
- This background provides him with insight into defense strategies, risk assessment, and trial preparation, which directly informs his plaintiff-side advocacy on behalf of injured clients facing well-resourced defendants
- Mr. Kater has extensive courtroom experience in both state and federal courts
- He has served as second chair in multiple jury trials and as lead counsel in complex motion practice and discovery proceedings
- His work includes preparing licensed professionals and corporate representatives for testimony, conducting and defending depositions, and arguing dispositive and evidentiary motions
- He has also briefed and argued matters before the Illinois Appellate Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
- In addition to his litigation practice, Mr. Kater is recognized for his strength in legal writing and advocacy
- He has earned multiple CALI Awards for Academic Excellence while attending Loyola University Chicago School of Law and achieved national recognition through moot court competition
- His professional accomplishments have been recognized by peer-reviewed organizations, including The Best Lawyers in America®: Ones to Watch, Leading Lawyers – Emerging Lawyer, and Super Lawyers®: Rising Stars
- Outside of his practice, Mr. Kater values time with his family as a father of three and enjoys sports, travel, fitness, and cooking
Practice Areas Explained
Scott Kater's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Scott Kater handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Chicago.
Medical Malpractice in Chicago
Medical malpractice lawyers represent patients harmed by negligent doctors, hospitals, and other providers. Free case review, no fee unless you win.
Scott Kater is one of 48,593 medical malpractice attorneys indexed nationally. Browse medical malpractice attorneys in Illinois →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Chicago
Practicing law in Illinois. Legal matters in Illinois are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Chicago are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Illinois state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Illinois brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Illinois courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Chicago Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Chicago-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Illinois attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Chicago or all attorneys in Illinois.
Frequently Asked
Common Questions About Scott Kater
Where is Scott Kater's law office located?
What practice areas does Scott Kater handle?
Where did Scott Kater go to law school?
How can I contact Scott Kater for a consultation?
What awards or recognition has Scott Kater received?
Professional Profile
Why Clients in Chicago Choose Scott Kater
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Scott Kater's practice in the field of medical malpractice.
Focused Medical Malpractice Practice
Concentrating on medical malpractice means Scott Kater's knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, and procedural nuances stays current — unlike generalist practices that spread attention across unrelated fields.
Local Presence in Chicago
A Chicago-based practice means Scott Kater attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Scott Kater Handles in Chicago
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Scott Kater has experience with under Illinois law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Scott Kater directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find Scott Kater Online
Prospective clients searching for legal help in Chicago commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like Scott Kater.
If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with Scott Kater directly.
Scott Kater's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
Awards & Professional Honors
Client Reviews & Ratings — Scott Kater
No reviews yet.