Clayton is a partner in the firm's Regulatory Investigations, Strategy + Enforcement (RISE) Practice Group and co-leader of the State Attorneys General practice — multidisciplinary teams with decades of experience crafting effective strategies to help deter or mitigate the risk of enforcement actions and litigation. Based out of the firm's Orange County office, Clay is nationally recognized by Chambers USA for AG Government Relations and Best Lawyers in Advertising Law. Frequently sought out by companies operating within industries that are subject to heightened governmental regulations and enforcement actions, Clay provides his clients with a valuable understanding of how to approach enforcement actions, as well as how to avoid them.
Informed by nearly a decade in a state attorneys general office, and more than 25 years in private practice, Clay spends much of his time representing clients in singular or multistate regulatory actions. Clay has repeatedly led teams before all 50 state attorneys general, and also handles matters with the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and other local, state, and federal agencies. His work focuses on matters involving advertising, marketing, consumer finance, privacy, and related regulatory issues. Clay also provides clients with day-to-day advice on consumer protection regulatory issues, which is informed by his frequent attendance at attorneys general association meetings.
Prior to entering private practice, Clay held positions in the Office of the Attorney General, State of Missouri, including as assistant deputy attorney general, director of multistate litigation, and Kansas City regional office manager. He was lead counsel for numerous states in multistate enforcement actions, including nationwide settlements with major automotive repair and manufacturing corporations, credit reporting agencies, and national retailers. As an assistant attorney general, Clay earned the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) Marvin Award (now called the Kelley-Wyman Memorial Award), presented to the individual who has demonstrated "outstanding leadership, expertise and achievement in advancing the goals of the association." Clay also previously served as chief counsel and director of business regulation for the NAAG in Washington, D.C. and is a frequent presenter at NAAG complex consumer protection trainings.
Representative matters may include engagements before joining Troutman Pepper.
Regulatory Oversight
03.15.24
New Jersey AG Cracks Down on Bumble for Allegedly Misrepresenting Criminal Background Checks Policy
Articles + Publications
03.15.24
Troutman Pepper State Attorneys General Monitor — March 15, 2024
Regulatory Oversight
03.14.24
2024 State AG Elections: A Landscape of Change and Competition
Regulatory Oversight
03.14.24
New York AG Sues Yellowstone Capital Over Alleged “Fraudulent Loans” Targeting Small Businesses
Regulatory Oversight
03.13.24
FCC Establishes New Rules to Enhance Consumer Control Over Automated Calls and Texts
Regulatory Oversight
03.12.24
11 AGs Sign Letter in Support of GSA’s Proposed Rule on Plastic Packaging