Clayton
Gallant

Profile

Clayton is known among both the judiciary and his peers for his intellectual horsepower and deep command of the law. He brings exceptional analytical rigour to difficult legal issues. Clayton is passionate about the law: he begins each day reading the most recent Canadian jurisprudence, ensuring his advice is informed by the most current developments in the law.

He is a litigator whose practice is defined by appellate advocacy, administrative law, commercial litigation, and complex public law disputes. He has appeared in nearly twenty appeals, including before the British Columbia Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada, with a high degree of success. He is regularly involved in high-stakes matters for government, regulators, and institutional clients where careful analysis and precise advocacy are critical.

A significant portion of his appellate work has involved acting for the Attorney General of British Columbia and the Director of Civil Forfeiture in matters engaging constitutional principles, statutory interpretation, and the exercise of public authority.

Clayton’s practice also includes commercial disputes, professional discipline, and regulatory matters. He acts for regulators, professionals, and institutions, and has experience advising tribunals, conducting disciplinary proceedings, and providing independent legal advice on decision making. He works with clients across a range of industries, including accounting, food and beverage, government and public policy, media, and real estate, bringing practical insight to the broader context in which disputes arise.

He is also involved in arbitration and commercial litigation, including shareholder disputes and governance issues. His work often involves coordinating complex legal and factual records and advancing issues that are central to the outcome of a matter.

Clayton is known for his analytical and strategic approach to litigation. He focuses on helping clients understand their position, the risks they face, and the options available to them, and he advances their interests through clear, disciplined advocacy.

Clayton clerked for five justices of the Supreme Court of British Columbia, gaining early insight into how courts assess evidence and evaluate legal arguments. He is an Adjunct Professor at the University of British Columbia, where he teaches government liability. He also serves as Vice President of the Advocates’ Club, a professional organization that brings together litigators and members of the judiciary to promote excellence in advocacy and collegiality within the bar.  He was also a past Vice Chair of the CBABC’s Administrative Law subsection.