Benjamin P. Cloward is a
distinguished attorney who has achieved remarkable milestones throughout his
legal career. In 2016, at the youthful age of 37, he made history in the State
of Nevada by becoming the youngest lawyer ever to receive the esteemed "Trial
Lawyer of the Year" award from the Nevada Justice Association. Benjamin's
passion for trial advocacy led him to join the Nevada, Las Vegas Chapter of
ABOTA (American Board of Trial Advocates) that same year, becoming its youngest
member. He further solidified his expertise by becoming the youngest person in
Nevada to attain Board Certification as a Personal Injury Specialist, making
him a notable force in the field.
Benjamin's exceptional talents have
earned him numerous accolades and recognition. He holds an AV-Rating from
Martindale-Hubbell, a testament to his high ethical standards and professional
competence. Additionally, he achieved a perfect 10.0 rating on AVVO.com,
solidifying his reputation as an outstanding legal professional. His
accomplishments have been featured in various Nevada magazines, shedding light
on his remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication.
In February 2020, Benjamin secured a
monumental victory, obtaining a staggering $38 million jury verdict. This
verdict marked the largest negligent security for wrongful death ever recorded
in the State of Nevada and the second-largest wrongful death verdict nationwide
in 2020. Another significant triumph was a $15 million jury verdict in 2016 on
behalf of a family who tragically lost their disabled son, Harvey, due to
negligence on a paratransit bus. After four years of intense appellate
litigation, the verdict was unanimously upheld, resulting in a final judgment
of nearly $21 million. Despite the defense never offering a settlement,
Benjamin's commitment extended beyond the courtroom. He spearheaded the pursuit
of justice by advocating for improved safety measures, leading to the enactment
of "Harvey's Law" in Nevada in 2017. This law mandates specialized
training for all paratransit bus drivers, ensuring the protection of others.
Further demonstrating his legal
prowess, Benjamin obtained a $12.9 million jury verdict in 2016 for a family
whose lives were forever altered by a drunk driver, causing severe injuries to
the mother and tragically claiming the life of their daughter. Additionally, he
secured a $10 million settlement for a client who suffered significant injuries
and a moderate brain injury resulting from a fall. Benjamin's track record also
includes numerous successful jury verdicts in soft-tissue and low visible
property damage cases, with notable awards such as a $2.98 million verdict in
2018 and a $1,075,000 verdict in 2014. In each instance, his verdicts far
exceeded the defense offers prior to trial, sometimes reaching 180 times
greater.
Noteworthy accomplishments on behalf
of his clients extend beyond jury verdicts. Benjamin achieved a $27.5 million
settlement against Greyhound Lines Inc. and a $20 million settlement against
Jacuzzi Luxury Bath, dba Jacuzzi, Inc. and First Street for Boomers &
Beyond, Inc. Recently, he secured an $8 million jury verdict against FedEx
Ground Package Inc. Additionally, Benjamin has successfully settled over thirty
cases ranging from $1 million to $10 million in value. His trial experience encompasses
both State and Federal Courts in Utah and Nevada.
Benjamin's impact extends beyond his
successful legal career. He played a pivotal role in the influential Khoury v.
Seastrand case, representing a significant victory for injured Nevadans. By rejecting
the Howell doctrine, which permits discounted compensation for negligent
individuals who harm responsible citizens with personal health insurance,
Benjamin ensured fair treatment for all injured parties.
A graduate of the prestigious Gerry
Spence Trial Lawyer's College, Benjamin shares Gerry's belief that true
advocacy begins with personal dedication. He actively served on the board of
the nonprofit organization, Loa Fund, which focuses on providing financial
assistance to individuals seeking recovery from addiction through wilderness
therapy and other programs. Benjamin firmly believes in understanding others by
walking in their shoes and advocates for offering individuals the benefit of
the doubt and the opportunity to prove themselves.
Raised in Salem, Utah, Benjamin's
values and commitment to service were evident from a young age. He earned the
distinguished Eagle Scout Award as a boy and later served as a volunteer
missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Louisiana for
two years after graduating from high school. He remains dedicated to
volunteering within his church and has served in various roles.
Benjamin's educational background
includes a bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Utah, which he
obtained in 2005. He commenced his legal studies at the University of Tulsa,
College of Law, and later transferred to the University of Utah, S.J. Quinney
College of Law, where he completed his law degree in 2008. During law school,
Benjamin received the Outstanding Achievement Award for Teaching Law in High
School, the CALI Excellence for the Future Award for Property, and consistently
made the Dean's List. He held prestigious positions such as President of the J.
Reuben Clark Law Society and Judicial Intern for the then-State Court Presiding
Judge, Gregory K. Frizzell, who currently serves as a Judge for the United
States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma. Benjamin also
showcased his legal acumen as a Note and Comment Editor for the Journal of Land,
Resources, and Environment Law, with his selected publication titled "Why
has State v. Hutchinson Been Ignored? An Analysis of Why Utah Cities Lack
Authority to Exact Water."
Outside of his legal pursuits,
Benjamin treasures quality time with his wife and two beautiful daughters. He
indulges in outdoor activities, including mule deer archery hunting, bass
fishing, camping, and passionately supporting the Boston Red Sox.
Benjamin's memberships in
professional associations and his notable publications, such as "Why has
State v. Hutchinson been ignored? An Analysis of Why Utah Cities Lack Authority
to Exact Water" in the Journal of Land Resources & Environment Law,
further demonstrate his commitment to legal excellence and sharing his knowledge
with the legal community.
