D. Clay Ward, a founding member of Ward and Spires, LLC, practices in the areas of Consumer Bankruptcy, Student Loans, Criminal and Mediation. Clay is a native of Augusta, Georgia and graduated from Augusta College in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history, with a minor in business. Following college he attended Augusta College for his M.B.A. and then attended John Marshall Law School in Atlanta, graduating with the degree of Juris Doctor in 1996. While in school, Clay was a member of the moot court board and competed in the national moot competition.

Clay served as an Assistant Solicitor for Richmond County beginning in 1996 under the Third Year Practice Act and continued working as a prosecutor after graduation. Clay then entered into practice as an Associate at the Hunter Firm with focus on criminal defense, domestic relations and personal injury.

He previously served as Chair for the Young Lawyers of Augusta and on the Board for several years. Clay was previously a board member for the State Bar of Georgia's Bankruptcy Section and served as Chair/Co-Chair for the Annual State Bar of Georgia Bankruptcy Seminar. He also served on the Richmond County Personnel Board, overseeing matters involving County employees.

Clay has counseled and represented individuals, professionals and small businesses in bankruptcy matters since becoming a founding Partner with Ward and Spires in 2000. Clay has diverse experience in both state and federal courts. He has tried cases in State Court, Superior Court, Federal Court, and before administrative agencies. In addition, Clay has successfully handled appeals before the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

Clay is involved with activities and organizations outside of work including Walton Foundation for Independence, which supports programs and services in the community for people with disabilities. He served as Chair of the Foundation for two years and remains active with the mission of the Foundation. Clay also coached youth soccer at the YMCA for many years, helping to teach young children about the game, personal growth and sportsmanship. Clay is a Board Member for the Augusta Arsenal Soccer Club and currently serves on the Executive Committee. He is an active member of the The Birdie Club, helping to support college golf at Augusta University. Clay has been a member of the Exchange Club of Augusta since 2005, another organization which supports various charitable organizations each year from funds raised at differing events hosted by the Exchange Club.