Clark was born in Aberdeen, Maryland, and attended the public schools as a youth.

He was admitted to the bar the same year and commenced practice in Baltimore, Maryland.

He also completed a La Salle Extension University course in railway transportation in 1919.

He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1930, and resumed the practice of law in Baltimore.

He served as judge of the circuit court of Maryland, fifth judicial district from 1935 to 1938.