Taj J. Clayton, P.C.

Partner Litigation

Overview

Taj Clayton is a litigation partner in the Dallas office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Described as an “immensely talented” lawyer “who combines intellectual firepower and high emotional intelligence,” Taj has successfully represented Fortune 500 companies, major sports franchises and private equity firms in matters around the country. His complex litigation and trial practice is remarkably diverse with matters involving product liability, mass tort, antitrust, breach of contract and a wide range of intellectual property issues.

Taj’s practice has garnered him national recognition. He was named in Chambers USA for Litigation: General Commercial, and Lawdragon recognized him as one of 500 Leading Lawyers in America. Savoy named him one of the “Most Influential Black Lawyers” and Benchmark Litigation honored him as a Future Star for the past five years. D Magazine recognized him as one of the “Best Lawyers in Dallas” and Dallas Business Journal named him to its “40 Under 40.”

Taj is also a widely-respected and active civic leader engaged in international, national and local nonprofit organizations. Taj previously served on the board of Signify Health (NYSE: SGFY) and as an Executive Advisor to New Mountain Capital. Prior to practicing law, Taj began his career in sports working for the National Football League.

More

Recognition

Named a “Future Star” by Benchmark Litigation, 2021–2025

Selected to Lawdragon's “500 Leading Lawyers in America,” 2021–2025

Named in Chambers USA for Litigation: General Commercial, 2023–2024

Named to “Most Influential Black Lawyers” by Savoy, 2022 

Named to “Best Lawyers in Dallas” by D Magazine, 2018

Featured in multiple editions of “Who’s Who in Black Dallas”

Named a recipient of the Dallas Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” Award, 2016

Named an honoree for the 2016 Minority Business Leader Awards by the Dallas Business Journal, 2016

Named a “Texas Rising Star” by Super Lawyers, 2010, 2014 and 2015

Memberships & Affiliations

Taj is active nationally, internationally, and locally, serving on nonprofit boards including:

  • Member, International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution Board
  • Member, SMU Tate Lecture Series Board
  • Member, Sponsors for Educational Opportunity Board of Directors
  • Member, The Hockaday School Board
  • Former Member, Harvard Club of Dallas Board
  • Former Member, President’s Advisory Board for UT Southwestern Medical Center
  • Former Member, Girls Inc. National Board of Directors

Credentials

Admissions & Qualifications

  • Texas

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Education

  • Harvard Law SchoolJ.D.2005
    General Editor, Harvard Blackletter Law Journal and Journal on Legislation
  • Harvard UniversityB.A., Historycum laude1999

    Recipient, Harvard College Scholarship for Academic Achievement

    Dean’s List, All Semesters