Townsend, Clay M.

Clay Townsend was born in Jackson, MS, July 12, 1955. He 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. Edmonds 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.

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 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 - 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.