Latham & Watkins announced that Taj Clayton and Scott Thomas have joined the firm as partners in its Complex Commercial Litigation Practice, further strengthening its litigation bench in Texas and nationwide. Clayton will also serve as Chair of the firm’s Litigation & Trial Department in Texas.
The firm said both attorneys are highly regarded trial lawyers with extensive experience representing leading companies and prominent individuals in high-stakes commercial disputes across the country. Their addition is expected to enhance Latham’s capabilities in one of the nation’s most active litigation markets.
Clayton represents Fortune 500 companies, major sports franchises, and private equity firms in complex commercial disputes nationwide. His work spans bet-the-company litigation, sensitive investigations, and multi-jurisdictional matters. He frequently handles regulatory, transactional, and compliance issues, including defending mass tort claims, negligence and vicarious liability cases, multibillion-dollar contract and fraud disputes, class actions, shareholder counseling, and climate-change and other complex tort litigation. He has secured dismissals, dispositive rulings, favorable settlements, and defense verdicts in federal and state courts across the country.
Thomas focuses on commercial litigation, securities litigation, and white collar matters in federal and state courts, including in Texas, New York, and California. His practice covers disputes at the intersection of regulatory, commercial, and governance issues. He represents technology, energy, financial services, and sports and entertainment companies, as well as individuals, in matters involving fiduciary duty, fraud, shareholder claims, trade secrets, insurance coverage, breach of contract, and criminal investigations and trials. Thomas has secured multiple nationally recognized jury verdicts and judgments for both plaintiffs and defendants.
Clayton joins the firm from Kirkland & Ellis LLP. He earned his JD from Harvard Law School and his BA from Harvard College, and clerked for the Honorable Mark L. Wolf of the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts.
Thomas joins from Winston & Strawn LLP. He received his JD from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, his MA in Taxation from Baylor University, and his BBA in accounting and finance from Texas Christian University. He clerked for Chief Judge A. Joe Fish of the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas.
Latham & Watkins said the hires reflect its continued investment in Texas and its broader global litigation platform. The firm advises clients worldwide on complex transactions, litigation, and regulatory matters, operating across major financial centers in the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
KEY QUOTES:
“Taj and Scott are exceptional additions to our firm, and their arrival enhances our distinguished Texas and global litigation capabilities. Their stature as among the market’s foremost litigators, with experience in many landmark cases, will significantly expand our capabilities and fuel our growth strategy. Excellence and competitive drive are hallmarks of their practice, and we’re delighted they’re joining us in Texas.”
Rich Trobman, Chair and Managing Partner, Latham & Watkins
“Taj and Scott have sophisticated practices that intersect seamlessly with our strengths across not only litigation but also M&A, capital solutions, and private equity, further enabling us to quickly assemble and deliver the right team of legal advisors for our clients’ most important and challenging legal and business matters. Bringing Taj and Scott on board reflects our connection and commitment to the vibrant Texas market and our laser focus on strategic growth that aligns with the market’s changing and expanding needs.”
Nick Dhesi, Managing Partner, Houston Office, Latham & Watkins
“Taj and Scott will bring deep litigation experience to our unmatched global practice that meaningfully expands our capacity to support clients locally. Texas is one of the country’s most dynamic litigation markets, and their arrival adds to our powerhouse roster of litigators. Each has a stellar track record spanning numerous high-stakes cases, and they have rightfully earned outstanding reputations as among the most experienced litigators in Texas and nationally.”
Michele Johnson, Global Chair, Litigation & Trial Department, Latham & Watkins
“We are thrilled to welcome Taj and Scott to our team. They bring tremendous local insight, established trial credentials, and a deep network of client relationships that will enhance our litigation presence in Texas and across the United States. The addition of Taj and Scott cements Latham’s position as one of the elite trial firms in the nation, and our world-class litigation group is stronger and busier than ever.”
Steve Feldman, Global Chair, Complex Commercial Litigation Practice, Latham & Watkins
