
Email Catherine B. Clayton |
Catherine B. Clayton (Cathy)
is both an
experienced litigator and a Rule 31 General
Civil and Family Law Mediator. A 1981 magna
cum laude graduate of Lambuth University
(B.A. English), Cathy graduated from the
University of Tennessee, College of Law in 1984,
where she was an associate editor for the
Tennessee Law Review. Cathy began her law career
by clerking for the Honorable Lloyd Tatum,
Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals. Since that
time, she has focused on representing
individuals and businesses in civil disputes,
both at the trial and appellate level,
concentrating on employment issues - ranging
from contract disputes to sexual harassment to
worker's compensation and unemployment claims;
banking law; family and closely held business
disputes; and personal injury.
Along with
other firm members, Cathy focuses on seeking
cost-effective solutions that best serve her
clients' needs. With extensive experience in
alternative dispute resolution techniques,
particularly mediation, Cathy constantly uses
her expertise to manage disputes without
litigation, whenever possible, to reach quick,
cost-effective solutions for her clients. She is
both a Rule 31 General Civil and Rule 31 Family
Law Mediator and has mediated over five hundred
cases, focusing on business disputes, including
issues related to partnerships, professional
corporations and other closely held businesses;
will contests and estate matters; and family
disputes including divorce and custody issues
and elder law. Cathy is a frequent speaker on
mediation issues for continuing legal education
seminars throughout West Tennessee. She is also
qualified to mediate cases involving domestic
violence.
Because of
her strong interest in children and family
issues, Cathy has expanded her practice in the
past ten years to include adoption. She is
recognized for her expertise in adoption law,
and has made presentations on adoption issues to
area lawyers and judges. Concerned about the
effect of acrimonious, expensive and drawn-out
litigation on families in divorce cases, Cathy
assists family members and their lawyers as both
an attorney and a
mediator in reaching workable solutions on
issues related to divorce and other family
matters, including child support, custody and
visitation issues, spousal support and division
of property.
Cathy is
admitted to the Bar of the Tennessee Supreme
Court and the United States District Court for
the Western District of Tennessee. She is a
member of the Jackson County, Tennessee and
American Bar Associations as well as a founding
member of the Local Lawyers Association for
Women (LAW).
Cathy and
her husband, Wes, have three children. She
spends her time away from the office with her
husband and family, and as an advocate for
families and children. She is an active
volunteer at her children's schools and is a
strong supporter of the Arts in West Tennessee,
as evidenced by her many years of volunteering
with Ballet Arts of Jackson, Inc., a regional
performing youth Ballet company, where she
served for seven years on the Board of Directors
in a variety offices, including Board President. In the past,
Cathy has served as the Chairman of the Board
for West Tennessee Legal Services; Chairman of
the Staff-Parish Relations Committee and
Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees at First
United Methodist Church; Sunday School Teacher;
Secretary of the Jackson-Madison County Bar
Association; Hearing Committee Member,
Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility;
and PTO Director. |
Education:
University of Tennessee College of Law,
Knoxville, TN, 1984
J.D.
Law Review: Associate Editor, Tennessee Law
Review
Lambuth University, 1981
B.A. Magna cum laude
Major: English
Current
Employment Positions:
Member
Areas
Of Practice:
Adoption
General
Civil Mediation
Family Law and Mediation
Employment Litigation
Banking-Litigation and
Deposit Services
Workers' Compensation
Certifications/Specialties:
Tennessee Supreme Court Listed Rule 31 Mediator, General
Civil and Family Law
Bar
Admissions:
Tennessee, 1984
U.S. District Court Western District of
Tennessee
Professional Associations and Memberships:
Jackson-Madison County Bar Association -
Member and Past Secretary and Board Member
Tennessee Bar Association - Member
American Bar Association - Member
Local Lawyers Association for Women - Founding
Member
First United Methodist Church -
Past Chairman of the Staff-Parish Relations
Committee; Vice Chairmans, Board of Trustees
West Tennessee Legal Services -
Past Chairman of the Board
Past Employment Positions:
Hon.
Lloyd Tatum, Tennessee Court of Criminal
Appeals, Law Clerk |