Donald Cameron Clark Jr.

Donald Cameron Clark, Jr. is a renaissance man who believes in the power of storytelling, whether to a jury, to a theater audience, or to his grandchildren. His legal practice focuses on high-stakes trials and religious liberty jurisprudence. He established the constitutional right of clergy to solemnize same-sex marriages in North Carolina and reversed the conviction of an Alabama death row inmate. Clark began his professional career as a trial attorney at some of Chicago’s most venerable law firms. He became the general counsel for the United Church of Christ, a Protestant religious denomination with five thousand churches headquartered in Cleveland, and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Crain’s Cleveland Business. A graduate of Rutgers Law School, Clark received its Distinguished Alumni Award and was recognized among “Rutgers–Camden’s Finest.” He received an honorary doctor of letters degree from the Chicago Theological Seminary, where he served as chair of its board of trustees and acting president and remains a life trustee. Clark is executive producer of the award-winning feature film Guest Artist, written by and starring Jeff Daniels. He produces plays on Broadway and in regional theaters. Clark co-owns the Chicago Magic Lounge—a nightlife venue that is top rated on Tripadvisor and one of “Chicago’s Best” according to Chicago Magazine. Clark authored a cover story in the Christian Century, law journal articles, and countless legal briefs. He debated First Amendment issues at the Vail Symposium and lectured at the American Academy of Religion. He has delivered numerous speeches and commencement addresses. Summary Judgment is his first book.