Clay M. Townsend: "The great American author, Henry Thoreau, once said. “It takes two to speak the truth-one to speak, another to hear”. For over twenty years spent in courtrooms around this state and the country, I have felt it is my calling to speak the truth for those that need to be heard."

Overview:
Clay Townsend was born in Jackson, MS, July 12, 1955.
Admitted to the Florida Bar in 1983; U.S., District Court, Middle District of Florida.

Clay was raised in Orlando, Florida and graduated from Boone High School in 1973. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1978, cum laude, and from the University of Florida Law School, cum laude, in 1982. Clay also studied English common law at St. Edmond's Hall, Oxford University, England in 1979. Clay founded Townsend's Fish House and Tavern, a restaurant and night club, which he owned and operated from 1980 - 2000. He also developed historic Townsend's Plantation in Apopka, Florida, the site of numerous outdoor music festivals featuring national acts, and winner of many awards, including best historic project in the state by the Florida Institute of Architects.
Clay formed the law firm of Griffin, Morgan, Linder and Townsend, P.A. in 1985 with John Morgan, and is presently of counsel to Morgan and Morgan, P.A. Clay has represented clients in personal injury claims, as well as commercial and entertainment litigation, resulting in numerous million-dollar plus settlements. He has also litigated in other state and federal jurisdictions, including New York, Arizona, and others.

Clay is active in a variety of community activities, including being a founding board member of The Orlando Shakespeare Festival, SunTrust Advisory Board, social chairman of The Orange County Bar Association and host/sponsor for thirteen years of Central Florida's Largest educational living history event – The Battle of Townsend's Plantation (click here for more info, flyers and schedule) – a Civil War re-enactment. Clay has also managed artists, written and produced a play, "Your Humble Servant, Samuel Johnson," and composed the original music as well.

Education:

• University of Florida (B.A. 1977, J.D. cum laude, 1982.)
• Florida Blue Key (Vice President, 1978)
• Savant

• Constitutional Law
• Family Law
• Comparative Law

• Florida Bar Trial Lawyer's Section
• Florida Bar Entertainment Law Section
• American Bar Association (Entertainment and Sports Law section)
• Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers
• Tennessee Bar Association

• Personal Injury
• Commercial Torts
• Entertainment Law
• Sports Law