John Anderson Merrick

My path to becoming a trial lawyer wasn’t a straight one. Early on, I dreamed of being a charter-fishing boat captain. But I quickly realized that a career in law, especially litigation, offered me the opportunity to help others while channeling my competitive spirit.

I’ve had the privilege of trying numerous cases across courts throughout the Commonwealth, handling appeals, and successfully arguing before the Virginia Supreme Court. I thrive on stepping outside my comfort zone and tackling new challenges head-on.

Before founding Merrick Brock, I spent over a decade defending insurance companies. Over time, their tactics—manipulating cases, undermining claims, and offering victims far less than they deserved—left me frustrated. That frustration drove me to change course, using my insider knowledge to fight for people injured by negligence, harmful products, or neglect throughout Virginia.

My experience spans a wide range of personal injury cases, including product and premises liability, nursing home neglect, dog bites, and truck and auto accidents. I also have expertise in handling commercial disputes, such as consumer fraud, defamation, breach of contract, construction disputes, and property issues.

I’m a proud graduate of Sewanee – The University of the South. Before law school at the University of Richmond, I worked as a professional mate on sport-fishing boats in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf of Mexico. I also spent time working in restaurants in Idaho while pursuing my passions for trout fishing and waterfowl hunting.

Being a lawyer is a central part of who I am, shaping my growth and purpose. At the same time, my love for the outdoors—especially hunting and fishing—remains an essential part of my identity. While I still dream of one day owning a charter boat, for now, I find immense joy in taking my young son out on the water to catch blue crabs and small fish.

Virginia

Virginia State Bar

ID Number: 75194

Finance Committee – Member

Richmond Bar Association

Current

Conference of Local and Specialty Bar Associations - Committee Member

Virginia State Bar

Current

University of Richmond

J.D.

Honors: Cum Laude

Legal Elite Young Lawyer (under 40)

Virginia Business

Rising Stars – Personal Injury Defense (General)

Super Lawyers

Virginia State Bar  # 75194

Member

Current