Three months ago, Jeff Clayton came back to Des Moines, where he belonged. The associate attorney at Smith, Schneider, Stiles & Serangeli P.C. grew up here. He left to attend the University of Iowa, where he received his undergraduate degree. He then took a year to travel in Europe and the United States and for a while worked in a book store. He then returned to the University of Iowa, where he received his law degree in 2002. Not long after, he helped organize the Young Des Moines Social Club.

Clayton and some friends decided to have an Ingersoll Avenue pub crawl. Then they decided to open it to the public and put up signs publicizing the event.

“I had a sense that Des Moines was a harder town for young people to meet each other in than Iowa City,” he said. “There was a need for a group in Des Moines geared toward younger people with opportunities to meet each other and have a good time.”

Many people showed up, and local newspapers took notice. E-mail addresses were collected, and the group has continued to grow. A recent club event attracted more than 120 people, and the e-mail list now grown to approximately 500 people. The group, though still dedicated to having fun, is expanding into charity work. In the past, the club had passed the hat at gatherings to raise money for good causes. Now members will give their time as well, volunteering to ring bells for the Salvation Army.

Clayton’s first job after graduation was in the Davenport office of Hopkins and Huebner P.C., a Des Moines-based law firm that primarily works in insurance defense and workers’ compensation. He liked the size of the firm, but missed Des Moines. In fact, he continued to run the Social Club from Davenport, commuting to attend events.

When the opportunity arose to join Smith, Schneider, Stiles and Serangeli, which specializes in real estate and business law, Clayton jumped at it. He said he loves that the firm supports his involvement in the community.

“There’s a real need for young people in the community to get into leadership roles,” he said.