Clayton Carlson

Clayton Carlson works with individuals and corporations to help them navigate complex civil litigation, internal investigations, and their interactions with the government. He has successfully represented clients in civil and criminal jury trials in both state and federal court, and in administrative law proceedings involving federal and state entities. Clayton’s experience includes everything from representing large corporations in complex litigation involving breach of contract, products liability, consumer protection, fraud, real estate issues, and statutory claims, to representing individuals charged with offenses including fraud, bribery, and money laundering, drug-related offenses, and murder. Clayton’s unique mix of civil and criminal experience allows him to help his clients find creative solutions to complex problems.

In his investigations practice, Clayton assists large and small corporations, and occasionally individuals, in navigating complex regulatory issues that implicate a number of statutes and regulations, including labor laws, antitrust statutes, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules. He helps companies and individuals respond to federal investigative subpoenas and state civil investigative demands. Clayton also assists companies with internal investigations that raise issues of criminal violations and regulatory compliance, including investigations into allegations of internal theft, fraud, harassment, and conduct that violates state and federal laws and regulations. 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.