Clayton Carlson
Associate
Overview
Clayton Carlson works with individuals and corporations to help them navigate their interactions with the government. Throughout his criminal defense, internal investigation, complex civil litigation, and real estate practices, Clayton guides clients through difficult legal challenges and helps find solutions to complex problems.
In his criminal defense practice, Clayton primarily represents people charged in federal and state court with white collar offenses such as fraud, bribery, and money laundering. Clayton has experience as trial counsel defending clients in jury trials in both federal and state court, where he uses his background representing companies in complex civil litigation to fight for his clients’ rights, explain complex business transactions, and defend against intricate criminal charges. Clayton has additional experience representing clients in federal and state court in connection with other criminal allegations ranging from simple to complex, including theft, DWI, assault, drug-related offenses, and murder.
Clayton’s government investigations practice involves representing both large and small corporations in internal investigations related to foreign and domestic issues that raise concerns of criminal and regulatory compliance. He has represented both large institutional clients and small businesses in investigating potential regulatory concerns covering a wide variety of statutes and regulations, such as labor laws, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Export Administration Regulations (EAR). He also represents corporations in external investigations by both state and federal governmental entities, where he assists with issues ranging in complexity from responding to government subpoenas up to and including civil and criminal litigation.
In his real estate litigation practice, Clayton assists property owners with litigating to protect their rights in disputes with governmental and quasi-governmental entities. From eminent domain issues to commercial lease disputes, Clayton has experience helping clients throughout the litigation process. Similarly, Clayton’s complex commercial litigation practice has involved serving corporate clients with a variety of needs. This has included representing both plaintiffs and defendants on matters like complex commercial contract disputes, construction design claims, and shareholder litigation. In all practice areas, his strategic insight and exceptional attention to detail have made him a trusted advocate for clients.
Clayton received his J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Minnesota Law School, where he served as a staff member and managing editor of the Minnesota Law Review. While in law school, he also served as judicial extern to the Honorable Magistrate Judge Tony N. Leung at the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota and worked as a certified student attorney in the criminal division of the Minneapolis City Attorney’s office. Clayton earned his bachelor's degree, summa cum laude, from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
Experience
- Served on team that successfully defended Polaroid against a $300 million breach of contract dispute brought by one of its former licensees, C&A Marketing, winning a complete defense verdict after a two-week jury trial in Hennepin County.
Honors
Selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, 2021-2024 (These awards recognize attorneys, who are earlier in their careers, for outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States.)
North Star Lawyer, Minnesota State Bar Association, 2020-2023 (North Star Lawyer is a designation that recognizes members who provide 50 hours or more of pro bono legal services in a calendar year.)
Pro Bono Award, for commitment to pro bono service, Maslon LLP, 2022