Atty. John W. Merriam
John Merriam was an unlicensed seaman in the U.S. merchant marine for 12 years before becoming a lawyer, working his way through college and law school. He served aboard 17 freighters and tankers in 12 different job classifications for the deck, engine and steward departments.
Profile Summary
About John W. Merriam at a glance
John W. Merriam is a Member based in Seattle, Washington, practicing at Merriam Law. They have 44+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1982. Their practice focuses on maritime. Admitted to practice in Washington (1982), U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington (1982), U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit (1983), and U.S. District Court, Northern District of California (1987). Educated at Lewis and Clark College (J.D., 1982) and University of Washington (B.A., 1978). Recognitions include BV Distinguished. Active member of Seattle-King County and Washington State Bar Associations Washington State Trial Lawyers Association Trial Lawyers for Public Justice. Serands clients in Seattle, WA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- John Merriam was an unlicensed seaman in the U.S. merchant marine for 12 years before becoming a lawyer, working his way through college and law school
- He served aboard 17 freighters and tankers in 12 different job classifications for the deck, engine and steward departments
- Other employment included 19 full-time jobs in eight states ranging from carpenter to cab driver, from roustabout in the oil fields to factory hand on the line
- John paid law school tuition with a scholarship from the Seafarers International Union
- Passing the bar in 1982, John practiced with a small firm through 1995 — first as associate, then as partner
- Cases handled ran the gamut of general practice with an emphasis on maritime personal injury
- In 1993-94 John was the Chairman of the Maritime Section for the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association
- Starting his own firm in 1996, John now restricts his practice to representing seamen and passengers on wage and injury claims
Practice Areas Explained
John W. Merriam's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases John W. Merriam handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Maritime attorneys for Jones Act claims, longshore injury, cruise ship cases, and offshore matters.
John W. Merriam is one of 11,568 maritime attorneys indexed nationally. Browse maritime attorneys in Washington →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Washington
Practicing law in Washington. Legal matters in Washington are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Seattle are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Washington state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Washington brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Washington courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional Washington attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Seattle or all attorneys in Washington.
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