Brenda L. Clayton 10YEARSAWARDED

Brenda L. Clayton

recognized lawyers icon Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2012
Awarded Practice Areas
Oil and Gas Law Environmental Law Litigation - Environmental
*Named the "Lawyer of the Year" in this practice area in the 2027 edition in Austin.
Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2027 - Oil and Gas Law
Works at
Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP

56 Best Lawyers awards

Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP logo

Biography

Brenda L. Clayton is a partner at Kelly Hart whose practice sits at the intersection of environmental, energy, and appellate law. Based in Austin, she guides clients through complex state and federal regulatory frameworks governing waste, water, and natural resources. Brenda’s environmental practice spans high-stakes litigation—including CERCLA actions and federal citizen suits—as well as compliance counseling under major statutory frameworks like RCRA and the Clean Water Act. A trusted advocate in the energy sector, she frequently handles disputes and regulatory hurdles tied to the exploration, production, and development of oil and gas interests. Her comprehensive practice also extends to advising water utilities and groundwater conservation districts on critical resource management issues.

Works at
Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP

56 Best Lawyers awards

Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP logo

Locations

Education

  • The University of Texas, J.D., graduated 1992

Bar Admissions

  • Texas, 1992

Affiliations

  • Austin Bar Association - Member
  • Austin Bar Foundation - Fellow
  • State Bar of Texas - Member
  • Texas Bar Foundation - Fellow

Client Testimonials

Awards & Focus

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2027 - Oil and Gas Law
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Oil and Gas Law, Austin (2027)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2027 for work in:
  • Environmental Law
  • Oil and Gas Law
  • Litigation - Environmental
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Administrative / Regulatory Law
  • Appellate Practice
  • Water Law
Awards:
  • Legal City 500 Elite, 2025

    • Energy Litigation & Regulation
  • Best Lawyers in America®, U.S. News & World Report, 2012-2026

    • Environmental Law
    • Oil and Gas Law
  • Texas Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters, 2016-2019

    • Environmental Law

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