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Lawrence S. Merrifield, Jr. Senior Attorney

Interesting notes about Lawrence
Best concert: Any U2 show. I’ve been chasing that opening riff since May 26, 1983.
Dream vacation: Island-hopping in Micronesia
My heroes: The Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo astronauts

Lawrence S. Merrifield, Jr. (Larry) has been practicing law for more than 20 years, guiding clients through complex and emotional legal matters with a steady hand, practical insight, and genuine empathy. He focuses his practice on family law because he values the opportunity to help people navigate major life transitions with clarity and compassion.

Clients appreciate Larry’s calm demeanor and direct, honest communication style. He takes time to explain not just the legal process, but what each step might mean for the people involved.

“I want my clients to feel empowered, not overwhelmed. Knowing what to expect, both the possibilities and the limitations, helps people move forward with confidence,” he says.

Larry believes that the best outcomes often come through cooperation rather than conflict. While he is a strong and experienced courtroom advocate, he prioritizes resolving disputes amicably when it serves his client’s interests.

“If we can avoid litigation and preserve a working relationship between co-parents, everyone benefits,” he explains. “I always want to help my clients reach the best resolution, not just the fastest or most aggressive one.”

Before shifting his focus to family law, Larry served as Director of Litigation at Epiq Corporation, managing high-stakes class action cases. He argued before the Washington State Supreme Court in Aitchison v. Great Western Malting, 161 Wn.2d 372 (2007). He has been trained and previously served as a Guardian ad Litem under RCW Chapter 26, appointed to protect the best interests of children in family law cases across Southwest and Eastern Washington.

Outside of work, Larry is an accomplished runner and passionate youth coach. A two-time World Masters Games gold medalist, he is currently training for the New York City Marathon and is proud to have run a sub-three-hour marathon in four different decades. He volunteers with the Bowerman Track Club, a Nike-affiliated organization, where he has been a youth cross-country coach for nearly a decade. “I keep thinking I’ll step back, but then a new group of kids comes along and I fall in love with their passion and energy,” he says. What began as a way to support his son has become one of his most meaningful commitments, giving back to the community through mentorship and consistency.

Larry lives with his wife and two children in Southwest Washington. He is a proud Gonzaga dad, a devoted cross-country parent, and a lifelong Timbers fan. Their rescue dog, Phoebe, completes the family.

More About Lawrence Merrifield, Jr.
  • Education
    • J.D., Gonzaga University School of Law
    • B.S., University of Oregon, Political Science
  • Professional Activities

    Memberships

    • Washington State Bar Association
    • Clark County Bar Association
    • Domestic Relations Attorneys of Washington (DRAW)

    Community Activities

    • Youth Coach, Bowerman Track Club, 2015–present
  • "The team at McKinley Irvin is professional, compassionate, and I felt like I was in good hands working with them."
    — Brian
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  • AV Preeminent
  • Lawyer of the Year 2024
  • Avvo 10 Family Law

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    I had the opportunity to have Courtney Bellio represent me in 2 family law cases, and I have nothing but positive things to say about her work. Courtney is incredibly precise and knowledgeable, but also holds herself to a high ethical standard. Most importantly, Courtney took time to get to know me, my family, our situation, so that she could provide legal advice that was right for us.
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    Brian has a commanding and confident demeanor and an integrity that instills confidence and calm among the stress and chaos of divorce. He is very responsive and communicates all possible outcomes and options thoroughly.
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    My team, Margaret Quartararo, her paralegal, Jacquelynn, and Grace were comforting, professional, prepared, and easy to correspond with. There were months of preparation leading to a very stressful morning. But once, we got into court, I realized, that my team was heads and shoulders above the rest.
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     | Tacoma, WA
    "Put my wishes and needs at the front of my divorce."
    Amy is an incredibly skilled lawyer that put my needs and wishes at the front of my divorce. She and her team helped me every step of the way, and I felt reassured and supported throughout this emotional life transition. I highly recommend her!
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    Best law firm!! David Gross is absolutely the greatest attorney. And he has a great team. Kerry his paralegal is so organized and helpful and together they are kind and compassionate and always listened to my concerns. I highly recommend them.
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     | Vancouver, WA
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    Nathan was the perfect lawyer to help me through my divorce. I was terrified, clueless, and heartbroken, but Nathan was with me the whole way. In addition to being very supportive, he is extremely competent – I wound up with a very generous settlement at mediation.
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     | Seattle, WA
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Lawrence S. Merrifield, Jr.
Lawrence S. Merrifield, Jr.