SR1066: SR1066 Clay IV, Alexander Stephens "Steve"; condolences

26 LC 112 4133 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.1 WHEREAS, Alexander Stephens "Steve" Clay IV was a distinguished attorney, civic leader,2 and devoted champion of public service whose integrity, professionalism, and commitment3 to justice strengthened the State of Georgia and enriched the lives of all who knew him; and4 WHEREAS, Steve Clay passed away on Friday, November 21, 2025, leaving behind a loving5 wife, Helen Harrison Straus "Henny"; his cherished family; and a legacy defined by6 excellence, compassion, and service; and7 WHEREAS, Steve Clay was born on October 23, 1942, in Atlanta, G eorgia, and was8 educated at E. Rivers Elementary School, The Westminster Schools, and the Phillips Exeter9 Academy; and10 WHEREAS, he graduated from Yale University in 1964 with a Bachelor of Arts in English11 and later earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Virgin ia School of Law in 1967,12 where he served on the Law Review and graduated Order of the Coif; and13 S. R. 1066 - 1 - 26 LC 112 4133 WHEREAS, after beginning his legal career in Philadelphia, Penn sylvania, Steve Clay14 returned to Atlanta and joined Kilpatrick & Cody, now Kilpatric k Townsend & Stockton15 LLP, where he practiced law for 48 years until retiring in 2018; and16 WHEREAS, during his remarkable career at Kilpatrick, Steve Clay served in senior17 leadership roles, including as Chairman of the Executive Committee for many years, and he18 helped guide the firm through its merger with Petree Stockton i n 1997, a significant19 milestone in the firm's history; and20 WHEREAS, Steve Clay was a business litigator and trial attorney renowned for helping21 clients resolve complex disputes, and he developed internationally recognized expertise in22 arbitration, including service as one of ten United States representatives on the International23 Chamber of Commerce Commission on Arbitration and as a member o f the Chartered24 Institute of Arbitrators; and25 WHEREAS, beyond his professional accomplishments, Steve Clay was widely respected for26 his commitment to pro bono service and civic leadership in orga nizations dedicated to27 defending human and constitutional rights, and he received a Lifetime Achievement Award28 from the Anti-Defamation League of Atlanta in 2011; and29 WHEREAS, Steve Clay was the founding Chair of the Board of Dire ctors of the Georgia30 Appleseed Center for Law & Justice, where he played a defining role in helping launch the31 organization and setting an enduring standard of rigor, credibility, and seriousness of purpose32 that continues to guide Georgia Appleseed's mission to improve systems affecting children's33 lives throughout Georgia; and34 S. R. 1066 - 2 - 26 LC 112 4133 WHEREAS, under Steve Clay's founding leadership, Georgia Apples eed established a35 statewide model that brings together volunteer lawyers and part ners to advance practical,36 accessible justice for children and families across this state; and37 WHEREAS, Georgia Appleseed celebrates its 21st anniversary this year, made possible in38 part by the solid foundation Steve Clay helped build; and39 WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper to honor the life and legacy of Steve Clay for his40 exceptional professional leadership, steadfast commitment to public service, and enduring41 contributions to justice and to the well-being of Georgia's children.42 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body43 honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Alexander Stephens "Steve" Clay IV, commend44 his extraordinary leadership and dedication to public service, and express deepest45 condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who were blessed to know him.46 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed47 to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for dis tribution to the family of48 Alexander Stephens "Steve" Clay IV and the Georgia Appleseed Center for Law & Justice.49 S. R. 1066 - 3 -