Cline, John D.

Greg Clifton is an accomplished trial lawyer, specializing in railroad defense litigation in federal and state court for over 30 years. He has tried numerous cases on behalf of various railroad clients, involving FELA traumatic and occupational claims, railroad crossing accidents, trespasser actions and property damage claims. Greg has successfully represented the railroad in cases on appeal before the Federal Sixth Circuits of Appeals, Michigan Supreme Courts and Michigan Court of Appeals.

Greg is a member of the National Association of Railroad Trail Counsel (NARTC) and has made multiple presentations before that group. He serves on the Executive Committee of the NARTC, as well as being elected one of the Region Vice-Presidents (2012-2013). Greg is also a member of the American Short Line Regional Railroad Association and Michigan Defense Trail Counsel, as well as the bar for the State of Michigan, U.S. Federal District Court (Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan), Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, and U.S. Supreme Court. Greg also serves as a Mediator in Wayne County Circuit Court. In August 2012, Greg was honored to be appointed the first Magistrate-Judge for the 25th District Court in Michigan, where he presides one day a week.

Greg was born in 1954. He received his B.B.A. in 1976 from Eastern Michigan University. In 1981, Greg obtained his legal degree (J.D.) from the Detroit College of Law (now part of Michigan State University). Since beginning the practice of law in 1982, he has been involved in the representation of railroads. In 1984, Greg and his long-time law partner, Joseph (Jerry) McDonnell, along with their mentor, Patrick Durkin (deceased), formed the law firm known today as Durkin, McDonnell, Clifton & O'Donnell, P.C.