Lorenzo C. Merritt

Lorenzo C. Merritt

Senior Attorney

Attorney Lorenzo C. Merritt is an established pioneer in the field of civil rights. Early in his career he prioritized utilizing his Ivy League education to enforce the rights of all people in Georgia – the state where he was born and raised. He accomplished this, in part, by founding Merritt & Merritt Law Firm.

Areas of Practice

For more than five decades, Attorney Merritt has concentrated his practice on civil rights law, criminal law, and personal injury law. He has enjoyed much success in these areas, as evidenced by having:

• Assisted personal injury and car accident clients in collecting over $20 million dollars;
• Successfully defended clients in a wide range of criminal cases, including and felony murder;
• Assisted in civil rights cases that required school districts to comply with laws regarding the hiring of qualified people of color.

After finishing law school, and prior to returning to Georgia, Attorney Merritt taught at several different universities in various locations, including New York, Chicago, and Sacramento.

Honors & Accolades

Attorney Merritt has received recognition for his many accomplishments throughout his career. He has been recognized for his work by the National Black Lawyers- Top 100, which is a distinguished, renowned, invitation-only, professional association that recognizes those attorneys that go above and beyond for their communities.

Attorney Merritt has been recognized by the State Bar of Georgia and the Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta for his valuable contribution to the pursuit of equality during the Civil Rights Movement. The distinguished individuals honored encompassed financiers, lawyers, organizers, and activists who tirelessly fought against racial injustice. President Perkins-Hooker of the Georgia Bar expressed deep appreciation, stating, “It is a privilege to acknowledge those whose dedicated service has paved the way for individuals like myself.” She further added, “Despite the constant threat of peril, they demonstrated unwavering determination to ensure equal access to opportunities for every human being.”

Education

• Harvard Law School, J.D., 1968
• Morehouse College, B.A., 1965
• University of Miami, B.A.