Clay R. Leland

Associate
Clay Leland is a litigation attorney licensed in state and federal courts. Clay’s practice focuses primarily on civil litigation, including municipal defense, medical malpractice defense, and employment litigation. Clay has experience defending governmental entities, elected officials, and individuals in high-stakes disputes. As the former attorney for the Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen and as a former Civil Deputy Prosecutor, Clay has successfully litigated cases before the Montana Supreme Court and various U.S. federal district courts on issues of regional and national importance, including prevailing as lead counsel in a nationally recognized lawsuit involving the President of the United States. His work frequently required coordinating complex legal strategy with the Department of Justice on matters of public consequence and serving as a lead staff architect for landmark pieces of legislation. Clay previously served at The White House in the Office of White House Counsel, where he provided analysis of significant legal and policy matters to Senior Associate White House Counsel in the Executive Office of the President, and at the U.S. Senate as a law clerk on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
Admissions
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • Montana State Bar Association
  • District of Columbia Bar Association
  • United States District Court, District of Montana
  • Supreme Court of the United States
Education
  • Gonzaga University, B.A. Business Administration, Cum Laude
  • University of Idaho College of Law, J.D., Dean’s List
Associations and Achievements
  • President, The Federalist Society, Montana Lawyers Chapter (2023-2026)
  • Best Brief, McNichols Moot Court Competition (2017)
  • Best Overall Advocate Runner-Up, McNichols Moot Court Competition (2017)
  • Outstanding Achievement, Duberstein National Moot Court Competition, New York (2018 & 2019)
  • Hon. Lloyd D. George Regional Moot Court Competition, Las Vegas (2018)
  • American Bar Association, National Law Student Division Liaison (2018)
  • Idaho Trial Lawyers Association, Law Student Vice President (2018)
  • American Bankruptcy Institute, Member (2018)
  • Dr. Mel Lindauer “Eyes to the Future” Award (2013)
  • Christopher M. West Memorial Award, Gonzaga University (2012)
Presentations and Activities
  • Event President, “The Next Supreme Court Vacancy” featuring Ed Whelan, Antonin Scalia Chair in Constitutional Studies (2025)
  • Event President, “An Evening with Hon. Amul Thapar” featuring Judge Amul Thapar, U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit (2024)
  • Event President, “The Solicitors General Roadshow” featuring State Solicitors General (2024)
  • Event President, “Federalist Society Lawyers Chapter Event” featuring Montana’s Attorney General and Lt. Governor (2023)
  • Attorney Panelist, Montana Medical Legal Panel (2022)
  • Attorney Presenter, Montana Association of County Road Supervisors Conference (2021 & 2022)
  • Senate Staff, U.S. Senate Homeland Security Committee Hearing: “A Roadmap for Effective Cybersecurity” (2020)
  • Event Staff, White House State Arrival Ceremony, Prime Minister of Australia (2019)
  • Moran Cemetery District Commissioner, Spokane, WA (2013-2016)
  • Assistant Coach, Gonzaga Prep Varsity Men’s Tennis (2014 & 2015)



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