ABOUT | Allison Clayton

ABOUT US

A Champion for Justice:
Meet Allison Clayton

Allison Clayton is an appellate and post-conviction litigator who built her career around the cases most lawyers won’t touch — the ones shaped by human error, institutional failures, or legal problems so complex they feel impossible. After clerking in both the state and federal judiciary, she opened her own practice in 2014 with a clear mission: to correct injustices, solve hard, wide-reaching legal issues, and give people a path forward when the system has gone off the rails.

Her practice spans criminal appeals, wrongful convictions, civil rights litigation, and complex civil disputes. She has represented clients in courts across Texas and the nation, including the United States Supreme Court. Her work has been featured internationally, including in documentary films and global media coverage highlighting wrongful convictions and systemic breakdowns.

Beyond her courtroom advocacy, Allison is known for stepping into high-profile cases that demand both legal precision and public-facing strategy. She understands how to navigate intense media attention, coordinate messaging, and protect her clients’ stories without losing sight of the legal fight underneath.

Whether she’s challenging a flawed conviction, confronting government misconduct, or helping lawyers and individuals manage high-stakes civil matters, Allison brings the same steady approach to every case: clear analysis, strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to righting wrongs.

Key Accomplishments

Interntionally Recognized Litigator

Allison's work has reached courts across the country and audiences around the world. She has been featured internationally for her advocacy in wrongful-conviction cases, including media and documentary coverage in the U.S. and abroad.

Her cases have taken her before the U.S. Supreme Court, the Texas Supreme Court, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, and courts in nearly every corner of Texas. She also practices in federal courts across the nation.

Deputy Director, Innocence Project of Texas

As Deputy Director of the Innocence Project of Texas, Allison leads some of the most complex post-conviction investigations in the state. Her work includes uncovering suppressed evidence, exposing systemic problems, lobbying for positive changes, and crafting the legal strategies that free innocent people from prison. Her cases have drawn national and international attention, reflecting her widley-known and well-established reputation as a relentless advocate for truth.

Adjunct Professor, Texas Tech School of Law

As an adjunct professor at the Texas Tech School of Law, Allison teaches the next generation of lawyers how to analyze, investigate, and litigate complex cases. She directs the Innocence Clinic, mentoring students on real post-conviction cases and giving them hands-on experience with fact-finding, brief-writing, and advocacy. Her dual role as litigator and educator keeps her at the forefront of the evolving legal landscape.

Education & Certifications

Texas Tech School of Law – Doctor of Jurisprudence, summa cum laude

Texas Tech Rawls College of Business – Bachelor of Business Administration, magna cum laude

Bar Admissions

Licensed to practice in Texas and admitted to:

◈ U.S. Supreme Court

◈ 5th Circuit Court of Appeals

◈ 8th Circuit Court of Appeals

◈ Every Federal District Court in Texas

Awards & Distinctions

Allison’s excellence in law has been recognized through numerous awards, including:

◈ Woman Making History (Texas Tech University, 2023)
◈ President's Excellence in Engaged Scholarship (Texas Tech University, 2022)
◈ Charlie Butts Pro Bono Attorney of the Year (Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, 2021)
◈ Rising Star Award (Texas Tech University School of Law, 2019)
◈ Arthur von Briesen Award (National Legal Aid and Defender Association, 2018 Presidential Award)
◈ Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association President's Award (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)