Michelle P. Clayton
Michelle Clayton joined Turner Padget as a law clerk in 2001 and remained on as an attorney after being admitted to the South Carolina Bar in 2004. She is fortunate to have a diverse practice that focuses on employment law defense and commercial litigation
In Michelle’s employment practice, she regularly counsels employers regarding compliance with federal and state wage and hour issues, employment policies and manuals, the investigation of harassment and discrimination complaints, the discipline and termination of employees, as well as other human resource matters. Michelle also defends employers in actions in federal and state courts and before federal and state agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission, and the South Carolina Employment Security Commission. Michelle’s commercial litigation experience involves the representation of both plaintiffs and defendants in a wide range of matters, including contract disputes, business torts, and collection actions.
Michelle is a native of South Carolina and grew up on Lake Murray in Chapin. While receiving degrees from in state rivals Clemson University and the University of South Carolina, Michelle remains a Tiger at heart, and during football season, you will often find her making the trek on the weekends to the Upstate. Michelle is active in her community, serving as a volunteer for the South Carolina Young Lawyers Division and a leader in the Junior League of Columbia. She is also very involved in the firm, serving on Turner Padget’s Diversity, Recruiting and Associates Committees.
“I believe in providing quality client service and thoroughly considering the alternatives and jointly deciding with the client the best and most practical course of action for the issue at hand.”
Representative Matters
Employment
- Obtained dismissal of claims for negligence, breach of contract, and breach of fiduciary duty against a financial institution where the plaintiff alleged that the financial institution failed to determine and notify the plaintiff that his property was located in a flood hazard.
- Prevailed at trial in defending an employee’s claim for over 100 hours of accrued vacation and personal leave and for treble damages under the South Carolina Wage Payment Act.
- Regularly counsels and advises a health center serving three county regions of South Carolina on federal and state employment matters, and human resource matters.