About The Guardians of Democracy

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I am Eliot Clauss and the founder and Executive Director. The focus of my life has been as an advocate for the rule of law as a guide for how to succeed in business and life. I began in public service in 1978 as a federal prosecutor in the Southern District of New York, where the stakes were high and the lessons about justice, integrity, and preparation were enduring. I transitioned then into private practice, immersing myself in corporate and securities law, and defense litigation.

I have practiced in courtrooms and boardrooms alike - trying cases ranging from complex civil racketeering to intricate medical malpractice disputes, and negotiating deals that would shape the futures of the businesses I represented. My practice expanded across borders and cultures, with more than 30 years devoted to fostering U.S. - China trade and investment. This included four years living in Shanghai and serving as foreign legal counsel within a Chinese law firm. I experienced firsthand the legal, commercial, and cultural dynamics that define international transactions.

I have also served as both in-house and outside counsel to public and private companies, as well as to non-profits whose missions have sought to promote the public good. Whether working in litigation, arbitration, negotiation, or governance, my aim has always been the same: to combine legal precision with strategic foresight, helping clients - whether entrepreneurs, established corporations, or non-profit organizations – to navigate complexity with both clarity and confidence.