Paula Hartley Clayton is a 1988 graduate of Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science. She furthered her education by attending Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, where in 1991 she graduated and received her Juris Doctor degree. Thereafter, Mrs. Clayton opened her private practice in Port Allen where she focused primarily on family law and personal injury. In her early days as an attorney, she was an instructor at the Baton Rouge Paralegal School where she taught paralegals legal terminology and succession while exposing them to the expectations of a working paralegal. She was employed as Assistant Public Defender for Iberville, West Baton Rouge and, Pointe Coupee parishes. After her stint with the Public Defenders’ office, she went on to serve as Assistant District Attorney for Ricky Ward 18th JDC District Attorney from November 2000 until July 2003 where she prosecuted misdemeanor and juvenile matters. Because of her hard work and ability to be fair and impartial to others she moved from the DA’s Office into the appointed position of serving as a Judicial Hearing Officer for the tri-parish area from August 2003 until her retirement in August of 2015. She held hearings on child custody, child support and, any family-related cases, including criminal nonsupport cases and domestic violence protective orders. Mrs. Clayton has numerous professional affiliations. a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, Baton Rouge Bar Association and its subcommittees namely: a member of Rules of Professional Conduct, Ethics Advisory Service Committee, Publications Committee, and member of the Family Law Section. Mrs. Clayton currently serves on the Board at the Louisiana Health and Rehabilitation Center, which is an accredited substance use disorder, mental health, homelessness, and HIV/AIDS provider. She is also a member of the Louisiana Chapter of the International Women’s Forum (IWF) and Goodwill Industries of Louisiana, Board Member. She was appointed by the Louisiana Supreme Court to the Louisiana Disciplinary Board where she serves as the current board chair. She is a former member of the Board of Governors and Bar Governance. She has also been a former.
Paula is actively involved in her community and several service organizations to which she belongs. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and an associate member of the Baton Rouge Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated. She attends and is a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. In addition to being an attorney, Mrs. Clayton is also a businesswoman. She is married to Tony Clayton, the District Attorney, of the 18th Judicial District, and together they are the parents of Brilliant, Austin, Jene, Brandon and TJ.