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About Walter
Biography
Most people know me as "Drew Clayton." I have had the good fortune of practicing law in a legal arena that is both interesting and challenging. For several years before I became an attorney in 1987, I worked in mutual fund marketing for Oppenheimer in New York City and as a retail stock broker for L.F. Rothschild, Unterberg, Towbin and Smith Barney. That experience has proven to be invaluable in my representation of people who have disputes with their brokerage firms because it has provided me with an insight into the securities business that few attorneys have.
In addition, I have been lucky enough during the course of my career to deal with complex commercial litigation issues in state, federal, and bankruptcy court. That breadth of experience has enabled me to represent clients in a wide variety of business-related disputes as well.
I practiced law in New Jersey and New York for five years before moving to Florida in 1992.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Securities and Investment Fraud
50%
34 years | 500 cases
Litigation
45%
39 years | 400 cases
Mediation
5%
25 years | 25 cases
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Florida for 37 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1988
No misconduct found
Licensed in New York for 38 years
State: New York
Acquired: 1987
No misconduct found
Licensed in New Jersey for 38 years
State: New Jersey
Acquired: 1987
No misconduct found
Location
Icard Merrill
2033 Main Street, Suite 600, Sarasota, FL, 34237
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Walter Andrew Clayton Jr.'s Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by JOELLE | January 9, 2010
Former Client
We could not believe how how sincere and hard working this attorney had been in solving our case. Nothing else need be said. He gets thumbs up from us ALL THE WAY
Posted by Janet | October 27, 2009
Professional and Caring
Through a long, over two years, litigation, the Claytons have been accomodating to our health problems while pressing our case to a beneficial conclusion with as ilttle trama. as was possible, The discovery process was difficult because my mother, the principal litigant, has memory problems, so a...
Posted by Wil | October 27, 2009
Walter Andrew Clayton Jr. Review
Drew is analytical, decisive and conclusive and has superb communications skills. He possesses the ability to understand each and every situation and recommend the best possible solution. I have worked with Drew on many different corporate matters that were resolved formidably in our favor. If it w...
Posted by Dan | October 27, 2009
Excellent Attorney!
Very Knowledgeable, uses good expert witnesses, very careful about details, excellent planning & strategy, even tempered and a joy to work with.
Posted by Jeremy | October 27, 2009
Arbitration Hearing
Drew Clayton represented me and my wife at an arbitration hearing in which we were claiming improper handling of our investments by brokers Raymond James. He readily grasped our problem, prepared most meticulously and carefully explained our fee options, ie either contingency or hourly billing. The...
Walter Andrew Clayton Jr.'s Lawyer Endorsements
"I highly endorse this lawyer. Drew is a detail oriented, highly skilled litigator whose ethics are above reproach."
"I endorse Andrew Clayton. Drew is a very hardworking attorney who has exceptional knowledge of both procedural and substantive law."
"I opposed Drew on a major piece of litigation in 2012. He's a terrific litigator - as good as it gets."
Sheryl Edwards
Securities and investment fraud lawyer | Feb 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Drew Clayton for nearly 20 years and would recommend him as a knowledgeable, professional and ethical litigation attorney. He is well regarded in our legal community and would be an excellent choice for your securities or investment fraud case."
Robert Persante
Securities and investment fraud lawyer | Nov 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Mr. Clayton is an excellent securities litigation lawyer."
"I have known Drew Clayton for many years, and we are usually on opposing sides in litigation of securities and investment fraud matters. Drew is a very capable lawyer, and an excellent advocate for his clients. He has a thorough understanding of the securities laws, as well as the procedural aspects of arbitration and litigation, and knows how to effectively advance his clients' positions. One aspect of Drew's practice that I have always particularly appreciated is his professionalism. Drew will always take the ethical high road, and when he wins he does so with integrity. He is a man of his word, and you can count on what he says. I enjoy working with Drew because I know he will bring his best to every engagement."
"I highly endorse this lawyer's work. Drew Clayton and myself worked together on several securities arbitation cases. He is knowledgeable, congenial and, most importantly, highly ethical in all his dealings with clients and other counsel. I would recommend his work to any client who need a top notch lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Drew Clayton is an outstanding lawyer who provides aggressive legal services to investors who have been mishandled by brokers and brokerage firms. Drew is highly regarded in the legal community, the President Elect of our local America Inn of Court chapter and a former military officer. Without reservation I highly recommend this lawyer to prospective clients. His ethics are impeccable and his law talents are immense!"
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Experience
Honors
2015
Florida Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters
2014
Florida Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters
2014
Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine
2013
Florida Super Lawyers, Thomsen Reuters
2013
Florida Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine
2012
Professionalism award, Judge John M. Scheb American Inn of Court
2012
Florida Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters
1998
AV-rating, Martindale-Hubbell
Work Experience
2016 - Present
Attorney, Icard Merrill
1996 - 2016
President, The Clayton Law Firm, P.A.
1989 - 2002
Major, United States Army Reserve Judge Advocate General's Corps
Associations
2013 - Present
Sarasota County Bar AssociationDirector
2012 - Present
American Inns of CourtFlorida Steering Committee
2008 - Present
University Place Community Development DistrictSupervisor
1993 - Present
Judge John M. Scheb American Inn of CourtPresident 2010-2011
2008 - 2010
Sarasota Transitional Housing CommitteeChairman
2003 - 2007
Sarasota Human Services Advisory CouncilMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Bellehumeur v. A.G. Edwards, et al.
$1.2 million plus attorney fees
I.L. and F.L. v. Shields & Co., Inc., et al.
$1.36 million award
Karen Rushing, Clerk of Court and Comptroller of Sarasota County v. Wells Fargo, N.A. as successor to Wachovia Bank, N.A.
Settled for $23.75 million
Education
1987
Seton Hall University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1982
Seton Hall University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
N/A
Washington and Lee University
Speaking Engagements
2010
Understanding Finance - It's More than Money Financial Series
Hot Button Issues in Investment Disputes
2010
Charlotte Estate Planning Council
Current Issues in Investment Disputes
2009
Venice Estate Planners
Current topics in investment-related disputes
2009
Sarasota Estate Planners
Current topics in investment-related disputes
2009
PIABA Annual meeting
Duties after the sale
Languages
English