I treat others the way I want to be treated. When I hire a professional, I expect that person to return my telephone calls, so I will promptly return your calls and respond to your emails. If I pay someone to help me with a problem, I expect that person to give me honest advice that is in my best interest. I’ll do the same for you. If I will be unavailable for a day or longer, absent an emergency, you will know in advance.

I was reared in Virginia Beach. I went to Howard University and then on to law school at UVA. While at UVA, I interned with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office for Albemarle County. A few months before graduating from law school, I was hired on the spot after interviewing to become a prosecutor in Jacksonville, Florida. While a prosecutor, I learned how to interview witnesses, make filing decisions, console victims, manage a workload of 300 cases, pick a jury and win jury trials in 10 minutes (the dime club), all while studying for the Florida Bar. One week I won a jury trial and lost another jury trial with similar facts. The State Attorney and I were having a discussion in the elevator, and I told him that I was upset about losing a trial. He told me that he was proud of me for trying a hard case, and that I shouldn’t be disappointed because I lost. That conversation shaped who I have become as an attorney. I do the hard work with excellence and integrity. Even when it comes at a cost, I do what is decent and right. After a few years as a prosecutor, I started working with the Florida Department of Children and Families as a senior attorney. I continued to try cases, usually two bench trials a week, while working closely with families, social workers and mental health providers. After years of public service, I opened a boutique law firm in Florida where I represented clients in divorce, paternity, child support, custody, visitation, child welfare, guardianship and conservatorship matters. After owning and operating the law firm in Florida, I started working with the Social Security Administration where I analyzed Social Security disability claims, authored Social Security administrative law decisions, and provided legal advice and technical support to administrative law judges in Florida, Virginia and Social Security hearing offices throughout the United States. Working with the Social Security Administration for over 14 years, first as an attorney advisor and later as a supervisory attorney advisor, gave me the expertise required to become a proficient Social Security disability lawyer.

In 2020, I came home to Virginia. Recently, I opened Clay Law to serve citizens of the Commonwealth with excellence, integrity and compassion. I have a professional reputation for honesty, forthrightness and diligence. If you hire me, I will tell you the truth even if it makes you uncomfortable. I will do my best for you. I will keep you informed. I will navigate your legal matters with precision while you manage your life. To learn more about my professional background, click here.

Notable Cases

Aunt Bessie

One day, the great aunt of two children who were in foster care hired me. She wanted her niece and nephew to live with her, but the State of Florida refused to place the children with her. I knew this area of the law well, and I knew the social workers, guardians ad litem and judges who worked in the court system. My client did everything the Florida Department of Children and Families asked her to do, and I zealously advocated for her to receive custody of her niece and nephew. Despite the odds, the judge placed the children with my client. This is by far my favorite case. My client knew that it would be an uphill battle, but she wanted her niece and nephew to live with her. She persevered, and we got the result that she wanted.

Jacob Jefferson

When I practiced in Florida, the grandmother of a 17-year-old college student came to see me. Her grandson, “Jacob,” was a full time student and worked at a clothing store part time. Jacob’s mother was terminally ill, and Jacob’s grandmother was struggling to make ends meet. One day, an older coworker convinced Jacob to participate in a robbery of the store. The older man and Jacob were arrested and charged with armed robbery. After learning more about Jacob and his background, I shared his story with the presiding judge. Jacob testified against the older coworker, who was convicted. Jacob admitted his involvment in the matter. The judge withheld adjudication of guilt and released Jacob from the county jail. The judge said in open court that he had never withheld adjudication in a robbery case, but the circumstances of Jacob’s case warranted it. With a withhold of adjudication, Jacob could return to school and could petition the court to seal and or expunge his record.

Nate Jackson

Nate was in a tumultous marriage with Sabrina. Nate had a 12 year old daugther who lived with him and Sabrina. Nate and Sabrina had two small children together. Nate was a full time student and stay at home dad. Sabrina was a gainfully employed professional. Sabrina and Nate each wanted custody of their children. Nate hired me to represent him. The judge placed the children in Nate’s temporary custody, and Sabrina had visitation. The judge ordered a custody evaluation, and the evaluator recommended that Nate receive custody of the children. We had a trial. I presented witnesses who testified that Nate was the more involved and stable parent. The custody evaluator testified that it was in the best interest of all three children to remain together with Nate. The judge ruled in Nate’s favor. Nate received custody of the children, and Sabrina was ordered to pay child support.

Names and details were changed to protect the privacy of the clients and their families.

Education

Howard University

University of Virginia School of Law

Licensure

Virginia Bar

Washington, D.C. Bar

Florida Bar

Interests

I enjoy reading and traveling. I have read every installment in the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series and have watched the 1-season series too many times to count, so of course Botswana is now on my bucket list. My favorite Caribbean island is Puerto Rico. Taxi drivers and shopkeepers engage with me as if we’ve known each other for years. Most of the people are warm, friendly and welcoming. Paris was my best trip ever. The food was fabulous, and I enjoyed seeing the major sites including Versailles. In my opinion, Parisians are helpful and kind. I hope to travel to the Mexican Riviera and Montreal in the next few years. I’ve been on 13 cruises and hope to go on at least one a year now that it’s safe to sail again. My favorite place to be is beautiful, welcoming and culturally rich RVA. My hobbies include interior design, visiting green spaces, and thrifting.

Community Service

Community service is in my DNA. My late mother was a librarian at Norfolk State and in the public schools of Virginia Beach, and my late father was the second Black police officer in Portsmouth. My great aunt was a nurse at Norfolk Community Hospital. I have served as a girl scout leader and cookie manager, non-profit board member, chairperson of a Florida Bar grievance committee, and election protection attorney. Currently, I work with and support charities that are improving the developing world, mentor young professionals, volunteer for wills clinics and other pro bono work and facilitate financial literary education through Junior Achievement. I’m an affiliate member of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship.

Connie Renee Clay, Esquire

Clay Law, PLLC

804.238.7737

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