Brian E. Claypool, Esq.

Attorney Brian E. Claypool is a nationally regarded trial attorney, trusted media personality, and a genuine ally to those who have endured sexual abuse and faced civil injustice. As the owner and managing partner of the Claypool Law Firm, he brings an innovative approach to each case handled by the firm. Mr. Claypool is always thinking "outside the box" to leverage every case he handles. Mr. Claypool's spiritual journey has brought him to a place where his purpose and destiny is to represent victims who would otherwise have no voice in order to bring about social justice and reform. 

When Brian first began his legal career, he quickly grew to become a renowned defense attorney for large companies and government entities. Feeling unfulfilled, Mr. Claypool quit his job as a named partner at a downtown Los Angeles law firm. In 2006, after the birth of his daughter, he hit a turning point in his career and personal life when he prayed for guidance and soon found himself representing the family of a child in Fresno who had been shot in the head by law enforcement officers. From then on, Brian devoted himself solely to safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of the voiceless.

Much of his focus as a civil rights attorney and child advocate has been centered on representing victims of child sexual abuse and social injustice. Throughout his legal career, Brian has successfully tried more than 100 jury trials, with an approximately 90%-win rate in state and federal courts. 

Brian attributes much of his success to a unique approach to case management, which focuses on connecting with the client on a personal level. What sets Brian apart from other lawyers is that he cares on a personal level for every client/victim he represents. By forging an organic partnership between himself and his clients, Brian has achieved considerable success not only in the courtroom, but also through significant out-of-court settlements. Moreover, Brian is able to utilize local and national media outlets to raise awareness on cases of social injustice, which leverages the cases, resulting in much more significant out-of-court settlements and victories in the courtroom.  

Brian is working with Marala Scott to release a book about child sexual abuse in early 2021. The book will touch the lives of children and parents worldwide.

In the News

Many recognize Brian from his varied television appearances, commenting on high-profile, headline-earning matters. Over the past decade, Brian has been asked to share his unique legal insights on many Fox News shows, Good Morning America, CNN Newsroom, CNN International and HLN. Brian has also been a frequent television guest on KTLA5 (the number-one news show in Los Angeles), as well as Jon and Ken on KFI AM 640 (the most popular Los Angeles talk radio show).   

Brian’s presence in the news goes far beyond providing valued legal commentary on issues of social importance. The firm has continued to prosecute numerous cases of national social impact. Mr. Claypool has also assisted in lobbying for changes in laws to protect the safety and rights of children. More recently, Mr. Claypool and his team currently represent more than 150 victims in the MGM/Mandalay Bay mass shooting case. This mass tort case recently resulted in a global $800 million settlement with MGM. We have also represented several clients who have been victimized by sexual assault, abuse of power by police officers, and inexcusable bullying, such as the Jenna Groom case against the City of Paso Robles and the Rosalie Avila case against the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District. In addition, the firm is currently prosecuting two nationally-recognized, multi-million-dollar lawsuits against the Los Angeles Couty Department of Children and Family Services for failing to protect two young boys (Anthony Avalos and Noah Cuatro), which led to both of them being allegedly tortured and murdered. 

Background & Personal Life

In 2005, Brian experienced a life-changing event when his daughter was born. In early 2006, focusing on being a dedicated single parent, combined with attending a service at Faith Community Church, Brian took a leap of faith in God by quitting his prestigious job as a named partner at a downtown Los Angeles law firm. Pastor Jim Reeve inspired Brian to integrate his Christian values into his legal vocation. By placing the mission of social justice/reform ahead of money and simply winning cases, Brian has had the honor and privilege of using the litigation process to exact meaningful change, which has led to immeasurable financial recoveries for his clients. Both of Brian's parents served in the United States Armed Forces and saw active combat as they fought to preserve the freedoms of the people. His dad was a decorated major in the United States Army and served in three different wars. Brian's mother was one of the first female members of the United States Marine Corps. Both of Brian's parents rest side-by-side in the Arlington National Cemetary in Washington, DC.

Brian views parenting as a privilege and an honor. Despite how busy his firm is, Brian has always prioritized raising his daughter as a proud single father. Brian is currently a Board Member with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Southern California. Brian repeatedly donates to other charities, such as the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, St. Jude Medical Center, Faith Community Church, national and local food banks, and foster care agencies, such as Five Acres and Hillsides Home for Kids.

Education

Brian obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a minor in Business Administration from Penn State University. He also completed the Washington Semester Graduate Program in Economics at American University in Washington D.C. prior to obtaining his Juris Doctorate degree from Villanova University School of Law in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

While in Washington D.C., Brian served as an intern to United States Senator John Heinz, and a legislative assistant to U.S. Congressman John P. Murtha. Additionally, while attending law school, Brian served as a law clerk to U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge James C. Hill in Atlanta, Georgia.