R. Clayton Lopez was raised in Cross Lanes, West Virginia located just outside of Charleston, the state capitol. He graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Sociology and Anthropology with Honors. In 1996, he moved to Columbus, Ohio to attend Capital University School of Law. He received his Juris Doctor from that institution in 1999.

R. Clayton Lopez gained valuable experience working as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Franklin County, Ohio. He began his career in the Juvenile Unit. Later, he moved to the Grand Jury Unit. Before moving into private practice, Mr. Lopez most recently worked exclusively in the Drug Unit.

R. Clayton Lopez is licensed to practice law in the state of Ohio, as well as Federal District Court, Southern District of Ohio. He is a member of the Columbus Bar Association and the Ohio State Bar Association.