Consistently ranked as a leading individual by the legal directories, Clay is a ‘very effective negotiator’ who ‘speaks authoritatively on whatever you ask him’ and ‘keeps his cool throughout’.

‘He was easily the most impressive lawyer that I have worked with for ages. He is exceptionally and unusually impressive. He takes a pragmatic approach to things and sees the wider picture,’ said one client (Chambers UK 2013). He ‘is good at keeping things in context; he thinks laterally about points and doesn’t take silly positions’, according to Chambers UK 2012.

Clay ‘ably leads complex deals and is a very effective negotiator’ (Legal 500 2012); he is ‘excellent in all aspects’ (Legal 500 2011).

Sources say ‘he exudes confidence and has the ability to match’. ‘He’s practical on what the real issues are and aren’t,’ noted Chambers UK 2011. Legal 500 2010 values his ‘sound judgement coupled with good common sense’. He is held in extremely high regard for ‘his expert technical and negotiating capabilities’, said Chambers & Partners UK Directory 2009.

He is ‘an excellent negotiator and transaction manager’ (Legal 500 2009) and has been called an ‘exceptional lead lawyer, providing practical advice on complex issues and really delivering to a tight schedule when needs be’. He ‘typifies the common-sense ethos of the firm’ (Chambers UK 2007). A client called him ‘smart’ and ‘savvy’ (UK Legal 500 2006).

Clay has also been rated by clients as an ‘impressively original thinker’ who is ‘fantastic to work with and technically skilled’, flagging up, in particular, his flexibility and knack of ensuring punctual delivery (The Chambers Directory 2005).