Richard L. Clifton, Jr.

Richard L. Clifton, Jr. is an experienced labor and employment attorney representing management in all aspects of workplace law across Texas. Based in San Antonio, he advises and defends employers in federal and state courts on matters involving discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, wage-and-hour disputes, and regulatory compliance.

Richard earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi School of Law, graduating cum laude in 2016. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Southern Methodist University in 2009. During law school, he earned the Outstanding Student Award in Contracts and won a national championship at the St. John’s Securities Dispute Resolution Triathlon.

Richard began his legal career with judicial clerkships for the Honorable D. Gordon Bryant of the Northern District of Texas and the Honorable Henry J. Bemporad of the Western District of Texas. He later served as a staff attorney to the Honorable Yvonne T. Rodriguez of the Eighth Court of Appeals of Texas, drafting judicial opinions and conducting advanced appellate analysis.

Richard also served on a trial team at the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office, prosecuting felony sex crimes, and worked at the Texas Senate Research Center, preparing confidential legislative research and bill synopses. These roles strengthened his courtroom advocacy and statutory interpretation skills.

In private practice, Richard represents businesses and organizations in employment litigation and labor relations matters. His work includes defending employers in complex disputes, guiding compliance efforts, and developing proactive strategies to minimize exposure and operational risk.

Richard L. Clifton, Jr. practices in Labor & Employment and Business Litigation, providing forward-thinking counsel in dispute prevention and resolution. He has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch®, Labor and Employment Law – Management and Litigation – Labor and Employment, 2023–2026, and named Top Labor and Employment Attorney by San Antonio Magazine.

Law Office Affiliations

• Director, Fennemore Craig, P.C.
• President, San Antonio Young Lawyers Association (2025–2026)
• Vice Chair, San Antonio Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section (2025–2026)
• Director, El Paso Young Lawyers Association
• Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation

Licensed State

• Texas

Education

• University of Mississippi School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Southern Methodist University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges