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William J. Clay

- Executive Partner

William J. Clay is a versatile trial attorney with a solid track record of litigation success in various facets of the law. William has extensive trial experience in both state and federal courts having tried more than 100 cases to a jury verdict. Employing a unique approach to litigation matters, William tailors his representation to his clients’ needs and goals. At the inception of representation, William conducts a case assessment. During this assessment, he works with the client to define goals and prepare a case strategy, so that those goals may be successfully met whether through ADR, summary judgment, or trial on the merits of the case. William’s experience includes litigating cases in aviation, transportation, construction, product liability, and personal injury practice areas.

Representative Clients

• AIG
• American Eagle
• Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
• Dillard’s
• Farmers Insurance
• IT Corporation
• Liberty Mutual
• Ogden Ground Services
• Otis Elevator
• Residential Warranty Corporation
• The McArthur Foundation
• Hellas Construction
• Musco Lighting

Representative Experience

Environmental Litigation:

Successfully prosecuted and obtained a jury verdict of $84 million in a breach of contract action against a party who refused to pay for equipment ordered for an environmental clean-up site.

Construction:

Effectively defended a construction company in a wrongful death action on behalf of the family of a deceased employee who died when trench walls collapsed on him. Mr. Clay was also lead counsel in the defense of numerous claims against a major homebuilder warranty company resulting in favorable verdicts for the defendant. He also received a take-nothing judgment on a case in which the plaintiff had a TBI, lumbar fusions, and a cervical discectomy after a collision with our insured. The damages requested were in excess of $64,000,000.

Aviation:

Represented a helicopter manufacturer in a wrongful death action brought on behalf of the estate of a decedent who died when the helicopter crashed. Mr. Clay has also defended a major regional airline against claims from passengers who alleged pilot error and caused a turbulent landing, which resulted in significant injuries.

Insurance Defense:

Senior trial counsel for major commercial and personal lines insurance companies and was responsible for defending against claims of high exposure. He has been lead counsel for the defense of numerous claims against major insurance companies that routinely resulted in favorable verdicts for defendants.

Medical Malpractice:

Headed a team of attorneys on a wrongful death medical malpractice case against an orthopedic surgeon. The damages requested exceeded $10,000,000. After a two-week trial, the jury returned a take-nothing judgment.

Product Liability:

Represented a major sports lighting manufacturer in a multiple electrocution case involving two severely and permanently injured girls. The damages requested were in excess of $100,000,000. After a three-week trial, the jury returned a take-nothing judgment.