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
Representation of investors in disputes against securities brokerage firms and investment advisors. Also represent securities industry employees in claims against their employers, most often in claims involving wrongful termination and/or defamation.
30 years, 500 cases
Business litigation, ordinarily involving closely-held companies with shareholder disputes and securities-related matters, such as fraud and misrepresentation in connection with raising investment capital. Also involved from time to time in probate and trust litigation when issues of investment management are in dispute.
35 years, 400 cases
The mediation of civil disputes is a small but growing part of my practice. I have been certified by the Florida Supreme Court as a civil litigation mediator since 2001.
21 years, 25 cases
Languages spoken
English
Icard Merrill
2033 Main Street, Suite 600
Sarasota, FL, 34237
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
FL | Member in Good Standing | 1988 | 05/16/2022 |
NY | Currently registered | 1987 | 06/05/2022 |
NJ | Active | 1987 | 06/20/2022 |
Legal answers | 0 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Florida Super Lawyers | Thomson Reuters | 2015 |
Florida Super Lawyers | Thomson Reuters | 2014 |
Legal Elite | Florida Trend Magazine | 2014 |
Florida Super Lawyers | Thomsen Reuters | 2013 |
Florida Legal Elite | Florida Trend Magazine | 2013 |
Professionalism award | Judge John M. Scheb American Inn of Court | 2012 |
Florida Super Lawyers | Thomson Reuters | 2012 |
AV-rating | Martindale-Hubbell | 1998 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Attorney | Icard Merrill | 2016 - Present |
President | The Clayton Law Firm, P.A. | 1996 - 2016 |
Major | United States Army Reserve Judge Advocate General's Corps | 1989 - 2002 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Sarasota County Bar Association | Director | 2013 - Present |
American Inns of Court | Florida Steering Committee | 2012 - Present |
University Place Community Development District | Supervisor | 2008 - Present |
Judge John M. Scheb American Inn of Court | President 2010-2011 | 1993 - Present |
Sarasota Transitional Housing Committee | Chairman | 2008 - 2010 |
Sarasota Human Services Advisory Council | Member | 2003 - 2007 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Seton Hall University School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1987 |
Seton Hall University | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1982 |
Washington and Lee University | N/A |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
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 | 2010 |
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 | 2009 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
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 |
Posted by JOELLE
January 9, 2010
Posted by Janet
October 27, 2009
Posted by Wil
October 27, 2009
Posted by Dan
October 27, 2009
Posted by Jeremy
October 27, 2009
Gerald O'Brien, Litigation Attorney on Jul 15, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I highly endorse this lawyer. Drew is a detail oriented, highly skilled litigator whose ethics are above reproach.
Laurie Zimmerman, Litigation Attorney on Nov 3, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Andrew Clayton. Drew is a very hardworking attorney who has exceptional knowledge of both procedural and substantive law.
Jack Cobetto, Litigation Attorney on Feb 11, 2013
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
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 Attorney on Feb 5, 2013
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 Attorney on Nov 11, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work. Mr. Clayton is an excellent securities litigation lawyer.
Peter King, Securities and investment fraud Attorney on Oct 28, 2009
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
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.
Allan Fedor, Securities and investment fraud Attorney on Oct 27, 2009
Relationship: Worked together on matter
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.
W Snyder, Securities and investment fraud Attorney on Oct 27, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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!