D. Lee Clayton
PARTNER
Kymba Knighton | Rita Kesterson
SUPPORT STAFF
BIOGRAPHY
Lee Clayton is a founding partner of Marsh Atkinson & Brantley. He defends clients in litigation related to catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death, insurance coverage and bad faith claims, professional liability, appeals and commercial disputes. He handles large, complex cases defending claims on behalf of his clients, which include large national insurers, financial institutions and corporations, as well as individuals. Lee is regularly consulted on problematic fact patterns and novel questions of law with an eye toward avoiding litigation if possible, or prevailing if litigation is necessary.
Lee represents clients in state and federal courts throughout Georgia and the Southeast, navigating clients through pre-suit consultations, negotiations, jury trials and appeals. Lee has prevailed after arguing multiple cases in front of the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, the Georgia Supreme Court and the Georgia Court of Appeals. He has secured defense verdicts as well as motions to dismiss and motions for summary judgment that have been affirmed on appeal.
Lee’s extensive experience with high-stakes matters helps him identify the most effective strategy to tackle his clients’ legal issues and achieve their desired outcome.
Awards & Recognition
AV Preeminent® Rating, Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review
Georgia Super Lawyer Rising Star by Atlanta Magazine, 2013 and 2016
The Best Lawyers in America©, 2025
University of Georgia School of Law (J.D., 2006), Magna Cum Laude
University of Georgia (B.A., 2003), Magna Cum Laude
Education
Clerkships
Law clerk for Judge Curtis L. Collier, Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee