ABOUT OUR FIRM
Passionate Advocate
Our clients experience a wide range of discrimination based on their physical disabilities, such as a lack of usable restrooms, entrances, ramps, and parking, or being asked to leave a public place because they use a service dog. Our clients also experience discrimination at home from their landlords or HOAs.
If you have experienced disability discrimination, you may be entitled to compensation, and to ensure what happened to you doesn’t happen again.
We have over 20 years of experience fighting for people with disabilities. Our fees are never paid by our clients, only by Defendants. Consultations are always free.
FAIR HOUSING ACT
ADA
SERVICE DOGS
DISABILITY RIGHTS
PRACTICE AREAS
MEET THE TEAM
Aaron Clefton
Disability Attorney
Aaron Clefton is the Founder of Clefton Disability Law. He is dedicated to advancing the civil and economic rights of persons with disabilities and all people who are vulnerable or impoverished.
Aaron is lead counsel on all ADA and FHA housing cases for Clefton Disability Law. He has over 20 years working in the field of disability rights, 8 years of that as an attorney.
He has received Martindale-Hubbell’s highest peer honor of “AV-Preeminent” in 2021, and every year since, given to attorneys “who are ranked at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal expertise, communication skills, and ethical standards by their peers.”
That same year he was made an Associate Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, an invitation-only trial lawyer honorary society established to reflect the new face of the American bar. Membership is limited to 3,500 Fellows, “representing less than one-half of one percent of American lawyers.” In 2022 Aaron was selected as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers Magazine.
Aaron is a Phi Beta Kappa Honors graduate from the University of Washington, earning double Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Comparative History of Ideas. Aaron graduated with his Juris Doctorate from John F. Kennedy University in 2017, where he was awarded multiple scholarships. These honors included an award for commitment to the civil rights of disabled persons and honors for academic merit.
Aaron also served in John F. Kennedy University’s Housing Advocacy Clinic, representing low-income and disabled tenants. Clefton Disability Law is the successor law firm to Rein & Clefton and the Law Offices of Paul Rein, which originated over 50 years ago. Aaron was the editor for attorney Paul Rein’s overview treatise on disability access laws and cases, Full and Equal Access: Disabled Rights Litigation in California.
Aaron’s passion for fighting for the rights of persons with disabilities is inspired by the memory of his father, Kim Clefton, who struggled with disability access issues while living with Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome (1950-1993)
Emily O’Donohoe, J.D.
Senior Paralegal
Emily O’Donohoe has worked as a paralegal with Aaron Clefton since 2014. She graduated from Carleton College in 2003 with a B.A. in History, and she received her Juris Doctorate from Northern Illinois University College of Law in 2008. Emily was admitted to the Illinois State Bar Association in 2008. Prior to her work with Aaron Clefton, Emily worked as a brief writer for a social security disability advocacy group.
Magistrate Alex Tse found that Ms. O’Donohoe is an “experienced and capable paralegal” and whose “current and former colleagues rave about her work.” Sanchez, et al. v. North Beach Alliance, LLC. Case No. 23-cv-02361-AGT Dkt. No 23 (N.D. 10/22/24).
Outside of work, Emily enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. Her family’s interests include traveling, cooking together, playing games, and soccer.
Contact the Firm
At Clefton Disability Law, we are committed to protecting your rights and ensuring equal access under the law. Whether you have questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act, need guidance on your disability claims under the Fair Housing Act, or require legal support regarding service dogs and disability rights, our experienced team is here to help. We advocate for individuals with disabilities facing discrimination in public spaces and housing, working to uphold the rights of people with disabilities. Contact us today to discuss your legal needs and find out how we can assist you in navigating these important legal protections.