Doug was the only child of Dorothy (Moody) and Hugh Barclay born on July 5, 1932 in New York City. He attended school in Pulaski, for a time in a one-room schoolhouse, and then entered St. Paul’s School (1951) and Yale University (1955). He served in the United States Army (1955-57). Following his service, Doug attended Syracuse University College of Law (1961) and upon graduation he joined the Syracuse law firm Hiscock, Cowie, Bruce, Lee & Mawhinney (predecessor of Barclay Damon, LLP) where he practiced law as a named partner for over 40 years.