Kirkland Welcomes Litigator Taj Clayton
Kirkland & Ellis LLP is pleased to announce that Taj Clayton has joined the Firm as a partner in the Litigation Practice Group. He will be based in the Dallas office.
“Taj is a highly regarded, talented commercial litigator who has handled a range of complex matters, and demonstrated leadership and an entrepreneurial drive throughout his career,” said Jon A. Ballis, Chairman of Kirkland’s Executive Committee. “He’s a great addition to our premier litigation practice, and we are delighted to add such a rising star to our roster.”
Mr. Clayton has experience in both federal and state courts handling various complex business disputes ranging from products liability and antitrust to patent and intellectual property matters. He has successfully represented clients such as healthcare and financial institutions, automotive manufacturers, consumer products brands and entertainment companies.
“Taj has the total package you want in a trial lawyer: a strategic legal intellect and a natural ability to connect with clients, judges and juries. He’ll be a great fit at Kirkland, and we are excited he’s joined the team,” said Andrew Kassof, a litigation partner and a member of the Firm’s Executive Committee.
Mr. Clayton joins Kirkland from Winston & Strawn, where he was partner and chair of the Domestic ADR Group. Earlier in his career he served as a law clerk to Chief Judge Mark L. Wolf of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts (2005-2006).
D Magazine recognized Mr. Clayton on its “Best Lawyers in Dallas” list and in multiple editions of “Who’s Who in Black Dallas.” Dallas Business Journal named him to its “40 Under 40” list and as an honoree of its Minority Business Leader Awards in 2016. Super Lawyers has also recognized him as a “Texas Rising Star.”
“Kirkland offers an outstanding platform for trial lawyers that drives significant value for clients. This move is a great opportunity for me to contribute to the Firm’s world-class litigation practice,” said Mr. Clayton. “I’m excited to get started.”
Mr. Clayton is an active civic leader engaged in international, national and local nonprofit organizations, including the International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution Board, the national board of directors for Girls, Inc., and the national advisory board of the Coalition of Black Excellence. Locally, he serves on the board for The Hockaday School and the President’s Advisory Board for UT Southwestern Medical Center. Mr. Clayton was also a 2017 Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Fellow.
Mr. Clayton attended Harvard Law School and Harvard College.
