Tony Clayton

Tony Clayton is a skilled trial lawyer with broad criminal and civil experience spanning more than 30 years. A graduate of Brusly High School and Southern University, Tony Clayton has practiced law for over 30 years. He began his criminal justice career in 1992 for the East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney's Office. Tony has over 27 years as a prosecutor under his belt.  He has tried a broad range of major felony cases involving violent crimes, with a near-perfect record of convictions. Known for his oratorical prowess and convincing jury appeal, Tony handled high-profile murder cases, securing convictions of serial killers Derrick Todd Lee and Sean Gillis. Acting separately, the two killed 15 women across the capital region in the 1990s and early 2000s before being brought to justice.  In 2020, the people of Iberville, Pointe Coupee, and West Baton Rouge parishes elected Tony District Attorney for a six-year term.

Tony's success in the courtroom has not been limited to criminal cases. His passion for helping people has translated to a significant and successful civil trial career. He believes passionately in helping clients who have been wronged and need justice, ensuring that "big folks don't take advantage of little folks." Tony has represented workers injured through the carelessness of employers who put profits over safety and has some of the largest jury verdicts on record in Louisiana on behalf of individuals injured in vehicular or offshore crashes.

Being raised in Louisiana, Tony became an avid outdoorsman who loves hunting and fishing. Tony knows that wetlands and wildlife are vital to the Louisianan way of life. His love of the State and his commitment to public service called Tony to represent the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in holding pipeline companies that cut corners on preventative measures accountable for their destruction of wetlands on wildlife management areas and refuges. Just as he has fought for decades to protect greater Baton Rouge communities from crime, Tony is now leading the charge to make irresponsible pipeline companies clean up the mess they have made of our natural heritage. He intends to send a message that economizing on safety does not pay. By so doing, Tony is protecting Louisiana taxpayers who will otherwise be stuck with the tab for rebuilding (and relocating) communities after hurricanes. He is committed to restoring our wetlands and wildlife refuges so that his grandchildren and future generations can enjoy their bounty and protection. 

In 2015, Tony was named "Prosecutor of the Year" by Crimefighters of Louisiana and received the Home Run Hitters Award by the National District Attorneys' Association. He has served as both Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Southern University Board of Supervisors. Since 2023, Tony has been a proud member of the Federalist Society.