Meet Justin Clayton | Candidate for Los Angele County Superior Court Judge Office No. 65

We had the good fortune of connecting with Justin Clayton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Justin, how do you think about risk?
Risk-taking is a necessary part of progress. While it is important to plan and make thoughtful, calculated decisions, no matter how much preparation goes into a choice, action itself often involves risk. I was raised on the saying, “you’ve got to swing to hit the ball,” and I have applied that principle throughout my life. I share that same belief with my children.

I am a first-generation lawyer from humble beginnings. My grandmother, who lived through the Great Depression, feared credit and loans. When I told her I wanted to go to law school, she discouraged me because I could not afford it. When I explained that I would take out loans, she strongly opposed the decision. Law school cost over $150,000, and I had no clear way to pay for it. Still, I knew it was necessary to achieve my goal of becoming a lawyer. Starting my career with that level of debt, without any guarantee that I would graduate or pass the California Bar Exam, was undeniably a risk.

But I took the swing—and I connected. I have carried that mindset into many of the major decisions in my life, including joining the Public Defender’s Office, purchasing a home, and now running for judge. While luck can sometimes play a role in success, it is not something you can rely on. Growth often requires the willingness to take risks.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am an attorney, I am a Deputy Public Defender employed by the Los Angeles Count Office of the Public Defender. I’ve been working as a Public Defender for 12 years. I am currently the Deputy in Charge of the Los Angeles County Office of the Public Defender’s Inglewood branch. I supervise, consult, and train misdemeanor and felony attorneys about case preparation and trial strategy. I consult with subordinates regarding conflicts of interest and client’s competency to stand trial. I am a working supervisor that conducts arraignments and appear on client’s behalf at preliminary hearings and other pre and post trial hearings. I address public inquiries and work with justice partners to assure court efficiency. I regularly meet with judicial officers to address court business like, court hours, inmate transportation, court procedure, and community outreach.

What sets me apart from others is my resilience. The statistics from my community do not necessarily predict someone becoming a college graduate, a lawyer, or a judicial candidate. Nothing about my journey has been easy. However, I have been fortunate to have the support of a strong family and community, which has been the foundation of my success.

The challenges I’ve faced have often been met with both resistance and encouragement, but I have overcome them through faith in my ability to succeed and the courage to keep pushing forward. Along the way, I have learned that maintaining a positive mindset is critical. Positive energy attracts positive outcomes, and I make a conscious effort each day to uplift and support others whenever I can.

A meaningful example of this is my relationship with Attorney Al Jenkins, who is known to many as “Bar Daddy.” He has helped countless law students pass the bar exam, asking only that they pay it forward by helping others. While I have long believed in serving others, my experience with Mr. Jenkins reinforced the importance of that commitment.

I truly believe that the support I receive—often without even asking—is a reflection of the energy I try to put into the world. If more of us approached life with a genuine desire to help others, we would be a stronger and more compassionate society. It is difficult to act with negativity when your first instinct is to serve.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a very difficult question because Los Angeles is such an amazing city, all of it’s glory can not be covered in one week. But I’ll do my best.

I’ll start west, assuming my friend lands at LAX. Our first stop would be Venice Beach and the Santa Monica pier stopping to eat at Killer Shrimp in the Marina and Bubba Gump Shrimp on the pier. We’d end day one bar hopping and shopping at the 3rd street promenade.

Day 2 would be a full day at Magic Mountain, eating and drinking at Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que or a quick bite at In and Out.

Day 3 we would cover Museums (Getty, La Brea Tar Pits, LACMA), Hollywood, Melrose with a stop to eat at the Original Farmers Market.

Day 4 would cover North East, visiting Griffith Park, the Rose Bowl, and Downtown Pasadena. We’d eat lunch at El Cholo’s and head to Downtown LA for the evening stopping at Grand Park and strolling the streets of DTLA. We’d finish the day eating at Tokyo Haus or Tot in Little Tokyo.

Day 5 would be our college tour. There are so many quality schools in LA but we’d visit the obvious, UCLA and USC, the Coliseum and surrounding landmarks (Rose Garden and Museums). Stopping to get Breakfast at Poppy and Rose in DTLA, Ice Cream at Diddy Riese in Westwood and a Manny Special at El Tepyac. Lots of travel time but well worth it.

Day 6 would be a tour through South Central Los Angeles down Central Ave. Beginning with the historic Jazz district and breakfast at the Dunbar Hotel. We’d continue through South LA stopping at the Slauson Supermall (Swap meet) and the Sculpture park on 76th and Western. We’d grab lunch at Woody’s BBQ before visiting the Watts Towers. We’d end Day 7 in Long Beach at the Pike and Pine street, finishing with dinner and Jazz at Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles.

Day 7 would start in Inglewood with coffee and breakfast at Hilltop Cafe (Shrimp and Grits recommended), visiting Hollywood Park and surrounding venues (Intuit Dome, Sofi Stadium). Maybe catch an afternoon game at Cosm. We’d then travel south to Gardena for lunch at Giuliano’s. Our next stop would be the south bay area for site seeing ending the day with dinner at Eddy V’s in El Segundo.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give a shoutout to Los Angeles. My community is entirely responsible for who I am today. My family, teachers, coaches, neighbors, and community members have all played a role in shaping me. The love, support, and inspiration I’ve received from each of them is truly immeasurable.

Website: https://claytonforjudge2026.com

Instagram: @clayton4judge

Youtube: @claytonforjduge2026

Image Credits
Head Shot Photo: Image credit Karra Ideozu