Mandi Ballard Clay

Mandi Ballard Clay, Esq. is an accomplished attorney and mediator known for solving complex legal problems across many practice areas. Her experience includes labor & employment, real estate, contracts, intellectual property, HOA disputes, personal injury, civil rights, and class actions, allowing her to provide balanced, practical guidance tailored to each client’s legal goals.

Mandi completed her undergraduate education at Florida Atlantic University, earning a Bachelor of Art, Criminal Justice, 2001 – 2003, Grade: summa cum laude. She later earned her Doctor of Law, 2003 – 2006, Grade: cum laude, from University of Georgia School of Law, where she held multiple academic leadership roles.

Mandi brings a rare perspective from working on both sides of the courtroom. She served as a law clerk for U.S. District Judge Gregory A. Presnell and U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell in the Middle District of Florida, gaining deep insight into judicial decision-making, motion practice, and trial-level litigation in civil and criminal matters.

Mandi has built a career handling litigation from inception through trial while also serving as a neutral in dispute resolution. She is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Court Mediator, a U.S. District Court Mediator, and a trained arbitrator, resolving disputes efficiently across employment, property, civil rights, and complex commercial matters.

Mandi has been recognized for her professional excellence, including Super Lawyers Rising Star (2013, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2020), Super Lawyer (2022), and Florida Trend’s Legal Elite (2019, 2020, 2021). She began pro bono work in 2008, gaining early trial experience in a high-impact civil rights case.

Mandi Ballard Clay continues to serve clients and the legal community through litigation, mediation, and arbitration. Her work reflects a strong commitment to fairness, mental health awareness, and effective dispute resolution, supported by years of courtroom experience, judicial insight, and a practical approach focused on achieving meaningful outcomes.

Law Office Affiliations

• Of Counsel, Martinez Law, P.A.
• Member, Florida Bar
• Member, Florida Association for Women Lawyers, Pinellas County
• Member, National Association of Women Lawyers
• Treasurer, Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers
• Member, Federal Bar Association
• Member, Hillsborough County Bar Association

Licensed State

• Florida

Education

• University of Georgia School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Florida Atlantic University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges