Jay McDonald

Jay McDonald

About

Jay grew up in Charleston, South Carolina and graduated from Porter Gaud in 1981. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management from Clemson University in 1985. Jay went on to obtain his Juris Doctor at the University of South Carolina in 1988. Jay then began his legal career at Clawson & Staubes in September of 1988.

Jay is a Certified Mediator in South Carolina. Jay routinely mediates a wide variety of cases, such as as personal injury, premises liability, catastrophic injury, and product liability. Jay has tried countless cases to verdict and uses this extensive trial experience in helping parties to resolve their civil disputes.

Jay practices in the area of civil litigation, with a focus on personal injury cases of all types, such as premises liability, trucking, dram shop, and product liability. Jay tries numerous cases each year throughout the State of South Carolina. Despite being a formidable opponent, attorneys on the opposite side express their enjoyment in working with Jay because of his easygoing nature and sense of fair play.

Jay provides instruction and lectures on litigation topics that include: the use of biomechanical experts in auto accident cases; State v. Council/Daubert issues; summary jury trials as an option to alternative dispute resolution; and evidentiary issues. In 2015, Jay was honored to become a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). He has also been named a Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers Magazine since 2015.

Jay resides in Mount Pleasant with his wife, daughter and their dogs. He enjoys exercise and running, and can often be seen at Sullivan's Island on the beach when he is not watching Clemson football.

Practice Areas

  • ADR and Mediation
  • Appellate
  • Day Care Abuse and Neglect
  • Defamation, Libel and Slander
  • Dram Shop and Liquor Liability
  • Insurance Coverage and Bad Faith
  • Litigation
  • Malicious Prosecution
  • Motor Vehicle Liability
  • Personal Injury
  • Premises Liability
  • Products Liability
  • Retail and Hospitality
  • Trucking and Transportation
  • Wrongful Arrest and False Imprisonment
  • Wrongful Death

Bar Admissions

  • South Carolina, 1988
  • U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina, 1989

Education

  • Clemson University, Bachelor of Science, Industrial Management, 1985
  • University of South Carolina School of Law, Juris Doctor, 1988

Honors & Awards

Professional Memberships

  • Charleston Young Lawyers, Past President, 1994-1995
  • Charleston County Bar Association
  • Berkeley County Bar Association
  • South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys' Association

Published Articles, CLEs, and Seminars