W Alumna to Become University’s General Counsel

Clay

COLUMBUS, Miss. (MUW press release) — A 2002 graduate of Mississippi University for Women will become general counsel for the university March 3.

Karen Gwinn Clay, a magna cum laude graduate of Mississippi College School of Law, will assume the position vacated by Perry Sansing, who currently serves as associate counsel for the University of Mississippi.

“We are delighted to welcome an eminently qualified, outstanding professional back home,” said President Jim Borsig.

While in law school, Clay was executive editor of Law Review and was on the Moot Court Board.  She also received the Betty B. Tucker Award for Professionalism and was named the overall winner in the Copeland Cook Taylor & Bush Moot Court Competition. At MC, she has served as an adjunct professor, teaching issues and concepts of personnel manager.

Clay has held professional positions as an associate with Watkins, Ludlam, Winter & Stennis; Jones Walker; and The Kullman Firm.  In addition, she has served as a pro bono volunteer with the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project and Mission First.

In addition to the juris doctor, she holds a master’s in college student personnel from the University of Tennessee.

Clay is a member of the Mississippi Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association, the Capitol Area Bar Association and the American Inns of Court, Charles Clark Chapter.

“I am thrilled to be able to serve the university in this role, especially since my W education has served me so well in my career.” Clay said.  “I am also looking forward to making Columbus home again for my family.”

Clay and her husband, Jeremy, have three daughters, Caroline, Audrey and Olivia.