N. Munro Merrick
Business and contract disputes peacefully resolved by negotiation and mediation.If you have a business dispute, you need a lawyer with business experience. My positions have included market research analyst, product manager, and international marketing, for an oil company and three electronics companies. I have also owned and managed a stereo-TV store, a service station, and a Goodyear Tire facility. From the day I received my law license in 1977, my practice has concentrated on two areas: business and real estate. I have negotiated, prepared and enforced contracts, and evicted defaulting tenants. Most importantly, I have negotiated settlements to most of the disputes that came in my door and served as a mediator for the San Diego Superior Court. Personal, diligent service is assured -- I am a sole practitioner -- in fact, a one-man office! Negotiation and mediation are better than litigation. If you have a business or real estate dispute, give me a call. I negotiate peaceful solutions to business and real estate problems.
- Arbitration & Mediation
- Business - Arbitration/Mediation, Consumer - Arbitration/Mediation, Family - Arbitration/Mediation
- Business Law
- Business Contracts, Business Dissolution, Business Finance, Business Formation, Business Litigation, Franchising, Mergers & Acquisitions, Partnership & Shareholder Disputes
- Real Estate Law
- Commercial Real Estate, Condominiums, Easements, Eminent Domain, Homeowners Association, Land Use & Zoning, Mortgages, Neighbor Disputes, Residential Real Estate, Water Law
- Collections
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Free Consultation
One-half to one hour, depending on complexity. -
Contingent Fees
Depending on my evaluation of the case, a sliding-scale schedule. -
Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
I have always accepted my client's business or personal check with confidence.
- California
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- Judge Pro-Tem, Attorney Medation Panel
- Superior Court, San Diego County, North County Division
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- Two-attorneys selected by court from a panel settled more than 90% of cases before trial,
- Stanford University
- B.A. | International Relations
- Activities: Tennis, Swimming, Music, Bridge
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- North County Lifeline, Inc.
- Certificate, Mediation (2009) | Mediation
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- Included are mock conferences with adversarial parties.
- Honors: -
- Activities: 40-plus hours of mediation training
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- University of San Diego
- J.D. (1976) | Civil Law
- Honors: Law Review Invitee
- Activities: Owner/Manager service station
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- University of Oxford
- M.A. (1953) | Philosophy, Politics, Economics
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- Activities: Soccer, Tennis, Cricket
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- Invited to Law Review
- University of San Diego Law School
- North San Diego County Bar Association
- - Current
- Activities: Law Day (Free Clinic), Continuing Legal Education Seminars
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- The State Bar of California
- Attorney
- - Current
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- Q. My landlord disappeared and didn't collect rent for the last 8 years and she recently contacted us and wants us to mASAP
- A: mASAP? What is your question?
- Q. I have a really bad leak from the ceiling in my bedroom. I notified the manager about this issue over a month ago.
- A: A lot more information would be very helpful. How long have you lived there? Do you have a fixed term lease or is it month-to-month? Would you want to move out, or do you want to stay and only want the problem fixed? Are you the sole occupant and tenant? How soon do you want the problem fixed? Are you in an apartment? If so, what floor ?
Going to the city inspector to complain is a good step, but he will not fix the leak. Leaks can be very difficult to locate, because the source of the problem could be some distance from where the water is appearing in your bedroom.
I suggest that you contact the landlord by telephone or email, confirmed by regular mail, and tell him that the problem ... Read More
- Q. I need to break the house lease but I have a friend who can move in instead of me, will I be fined by landlord? CA
- A: First point: When you have a problem involving your lease, always talk to your landlord first. He wants a tenant occupying the premises. The logical solution is to get a new tenant to take over. You thought of that - why not tell the landlord? I am sure he would be relieved to know he does not have to chase you for unpaid rent.
He might suggest a sublease, in which case you remain a guarantor of the new tenant's performance. Better of course, is to have the new tenant sign a new lease, ending your liability, and that is what usually happens.
He is required to be reasonable in his demands on the replacement tenant. For example, he cannot require a credit score of 800 or better if ... Read More
