SR 1066: Clay IV, Alexander Stephens "Steve"; condolences

Senate Resolution 1066

By: Senators Kemp of the 38th, Wicks of the 34th, Parent of the 44th, Mangham of the 55th, Davenport of the 17th and others

A RESOLUTION

Honoring the life and legacy of Alexander Stephens "Steve" Clay IV; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Alexander Stephens "Steve" Clay IV was a distinguished attorney, civic leader, and devoted champion of public service whose integrity, professionalism, and commitment to justice strengthened the State of Georgia and enriched the lives of all who knew him; and

WHEREAS, Steve Clay passed away on Friday, November 21, 2025, leaving behind a loving wife, Helen Harrison Straus "Henny"; his cherished family; and a legacy defined by excellence, compassion, and service; and

WHEREAS, Steve Clay was born on October 23, 1942, in Atlanta, Georgia, and was educated at E. Rivers Elementary School, The Westminster Schools, and the Phillips Exeter Academy; and

WHEREAS, he graduated from Yale University in 1964 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and later earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1967, where he served on the Law Review and graduated Order of the Coif; and

WHEREAS, after beginning his legal career in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Steve Clay returned to Atlanta and joined Kilpatrick & Cody, now Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, where he practiced law for 48 years until retiring in 2018; and

WHEREAS, during his remarkable career at Kilpatrick, Steve Clay served in senior leadership roles, including as Chairman of the Executive Committee for many years, and he helped guide the firm through its merger with Petree Stockton in 1997, a significant milestone in the firm's history; and

WHEREAS, Steve Clay was a business litigator and trial attorney renowned for helping clients resolve complex disputes, and he developed internationally recognized expertise in arbitration, including service as one of ten United States representatives on the International Chamber of Commerce Commission on Arbitration and as a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators; and

WHEREAS, beyond his professional accomplishments, Steve Clay was widely respected for his commitment to pro bono service and civic leadership in organizations dedicated to defending human and constitutional rights, and he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Anti-Defamation League of Atlanta in 2011; and

WHEREAS, Steve Clay was the founding Chair of the Board of Directors of the Georgia Appleseed Center for Law & Justice, where he played a defining role in helping launch the organization and setting an enduring standard of rigor, credibility, and seriousness of purpose that continues to guide Georgia Appleseed's mission to improve systems affecting children's lives throughout Georgia; and

WHEREAS, under Steve Clay's founding leadership, Georgia Appleseed established a statewide model that brings together volunteer lawyers and partners to advance practical, accessible justice for children and families across this state; and

WHEREAS, Georgia Appleseed celebrates its 21st anniversary this year, made possible in part by the solid foundation Steve Clay helped build; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper to honor the life and legacy of Steve Clay for his exceptional professional leadership, steadfast commitment to public service, and enduring contributions to justice and to the well-being of Georgia's children.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Alexander Stephens "Steve" Clay IV, commend his extraordinary leadership and dedication to public service, and express deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who were blessed to know him. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the family of Alexander Stephens "Steve" Clay IV and the Georgia Appleseed Center for Law & Justice.