John W. Merriam

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John W. Merriam: Attorney with Merriam Law
Attorney Awards
  • Martindale-Hubbell Peer Distinguished Rating
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Biography

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.
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Areas of Practice (5)

  • Maritime Law
  • Claimants for Maritime Wages and Injury Compensation
  • Maintenance
  • Cure
  • Unearned Wages

Education & Credentials

University Attended:
University of Washington, B.A., 1978
Law School Attended:
Lewis and Clark College, J.D., 1982
Year of First Admission:
1982
Admission:
1982, Washington; 1982, U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington; 1983, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit; 1987, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
Memberships:
Seattle-King County and Washington State Bar Associations; Washington State Trial Lawyers Association; Trial Lawyers for Public Justice.
Military:
With U.S. Merchant Marine, 1970-1982
Birth Information:
Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, September 21, 1951
Reported Cases:
Lundborg v. Keystone Shipping Co., 1999 AMC 2635 (Wash. 1999); Jones v. Reagan, 748 F.2d 1331 (9th Cir. 1984), cert. denied, 472 U.S. 1029; Rowell v. Tyson, 1999 AMC 2277 (W.D. Wash. 1999).
ISLN:
904848739

Peer Reviews

4.4/5.0
Peer reviews submitted prior to 2008 are not displayed.
Martindale-Hubbell® Distinguished Rating Badge
Peer reviews submitted prior to 2008 are not displayed.

Other Legal Directories

Avvo Client Review
5.0/5.0 (2 reviews)

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Location

Contact John W. Merriam

Contact Information:

206-673-3472  Phone

merriam-maritimelaw.com

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