Clay practices exclusively in civil litigation, representing individuals and businesses in a variety of areas, ranging from construction defects and commercial disputes to employment, and premises liability matters. He has tried cases in both North Carolina and South Carolina and handled matters in federal court in both states. Clay has also successfully handled appellate matters in the North Carolina Court of Appeals and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Clay loves being able to guide his clients through the stressful and often-contentious process of litigation, understanding that for many clients, this is their first time dealing with the court system, opposing parties, and adversarial lawyers. He takes great pride in learning his clients’ businesses and needs in order to resolve their legal issues while minimizing the distractions from their lives and interruptions of their work. Clay integrates technology extensively into his practice to deliver maximum results and efficiency while maintaining excellent communication with his clients.

One of the most rewarding cases Clay tried recently involved representing a business owned by a husband and wife in a road construction-related dispute. The claims by plaintiff could have bankrupted the company. Clay worked with the owners to learn their business and the applicable statutes and standards of operation to have several of the plaintiff’s claims dismissed by the court and obtained a verdict in favor of his clients on the only remaining claims after a short deliberation by the jury.

In 2015, Clay was selected by the Mecklenburg County Bar to participate in the Bar Leadership Institute Class of 2016.

Originally from Salisbury, North Carolina, Clay received his undergraduate degree from UNC and his law degree from the University of Richmond. An avid Carolina fan, you’ll find him supporting the Heels year-round. He also loves to take detours during his travels around North and South Carolina to visit barbecue restaurants, both new recommendations and old favorites.

In addition to practicing law, Clay taught Civil Litigation to students in the Paralegal Technology Program at Central Piedmont Community College.

Areas of Practice

Business & Employment Law
Civil Litigation
Construction Law

Education

University of Richmond, The T.C. Williams School of Law — Richmond, Virginia
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill – Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Bar Admissions

North Carolina, 2008
South Carolina, 2010
U.S. District Court Western District of North Carolina, 2009
U.S. District Court Middle District of North Carolina, 2009
U.S. Court of Appeals 4th Circuit, 2010
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, pro hac vice, 2009

Awards

Business North Carolina Legal Elite – Construction 2019
Business North Carolina Legal Elite – Civil Litigation 2019
Super Lawyers Rising Star – Construction Litigation – 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022

Professional Associations and Memberships

North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys
North Carolina Bar
Mecklenburg County Bar
Mecklenburg County Bar Leadership Institute – Class of 2016