Skip to Content
Top
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

Distinctions

Best Lawyers in America® in the field of Family Law, 2026–2027

Practice Areas

  • "Going through a divorce is never easy, but the team at this firm made the process as smooth and supportive as possible."
    — Aaron
  • Best Law Firms 2026
  • Super Lawyers
  • Chambers High Net Worth 2026
  • AAML
  • PSBJ Best Workplaces
  • Best Lawyers 2026
  • Lawdragon 2026
  • AV Preeminent
  • Lawyer of the Year 2024
  • Avvo 10 Family Law
  • Doyles 2026

Let us know how we can help you navigate your family law issue:

    • Please enter your full name.
    • Please enter your phone number.
      This isn't a valid phone number.
    • Please enter your email address.
      This isn't a valid email address.
    • Please enter your county and state.
    • Please make a selection.
    • Please make a selection.
    • Please enter a message.
      Maximum 500 characters
    • Please enter your Case Type.
      Maximum 100 characters
  • Please Note: Your privacy is important to us. Information sent via this form is not protected by attorney/client privilege. We do not accept service of legal process or correspondence from opposing parties or their counsel through our website. Please view our Privacy Policy and Terms of Hire for more information.
Meet the Region’s Premier Family Law Firm
“From start to finish, the team at McKinley Irvin took care of me and my family. I couldn't ask for more.”
Who
“We are dedicated to fighting our client’s fight, and to offering them our absolute best every day.” Rita Herrera Irvin McKinley Irvin Founder & CEO
    "I felt heard and supported."
    My case was a high-asset, amicable divorce with children after 20 years of marriage. From the start, Theresa was upfront and direct, clearly explaining what was and wasn’t possible according to the law. I felt heard and supported throughout, and I believe her dedication helped us move through this significant life change as smoothly as possible.
    Shelley
     | Seattle, WA
    "Got me through it without a scratch."
    In hiring Kim, I picked an attorney with a strong background in difficult personalities, mental health issues and complicated proceedings. My case did end up with multiple difficult surprises that could have devastated me financially and socially, but Kim got me through it without a scratch.
    Former Client
     | Seattle, WA
    "Goes above and beyond with her clients."
    Faye is such an amazing attorney who you would hire and sit and relax and have zero worries. She goes above and beyond with her clients and she always makes sure you leave her office with clear picture and understanding everything. I can't thank her enough.
    Asmaa
     | Vancouver, WA
    "Could not be happier with the outcome."
    [Elizabeth] provided straight forward advice on the issues at hand and what I could expect. This information allowed me to reach a settlement that was more than fair. She also recommended a mediator that was very good at keeping everything centered. Could not be happier with the outcome, given the circumstance.
    Former Client
     | Kirkland, WA
    "Offered me sound advice."
    After 25 years of marriage I was blindsided when served with a petition for divorce. Jennifer was very professional, she took the time to understand my case, offered me sound advice and, along with her team, guided me through the entire process resulting in a fair settlement without going to court.
    Nick
     | Seattle, WA
    "Extremely grateful to my attorney."
    They delivered with compassion and understanding for my circumstances and I am extremely grateful to my attorney for restoring my belief in justice and protecting me from adversarial behavior during contentious court proceedings. Thank you McKinley Irvin and Lindsey Noel for the fine representation.
    Liz
     | Tacoma, WA
    "Hard-working, sensitive, and professional."
    I could hardly ask for a more hard-working, sensitive, and professional attorney with a strict attention to detail and organized, rational approach. [Kim Schnuelle's] knowledge of family law and the King county legal system seems to me unparalleled.
    Former Client
     | Seattle, WA
    "Phenomenal support and counsel."
    Hillary and her team provided phenomenal support and counsel. Within a short 30 minute call I had clarity on what our game plan could be and how she would support me. Hillary is highly experienced and competent, communicates clearly, is pragmatic, direct, discusses options, and takes action quickly.
    Natalie
     | Everett, WA
    "Helped me tremendously."
    Katie McGinley with McKinley Irvin was my divorce attorney. Her professionalism and experience helped me tremendously. She led me through each step of the complicated legal process and the tough time in my life. She is understanding, caring, thoughtful, communicative and respectful.
    Shuling
     | Vancouver, WA
    "Helped me through the most difficult time in my life."
    John Rosecrans (and his awesome team!) helped me through the most difficult time in my life. To John, it's about doing the right thing and making sure I am supported and properly informed of my options at every turn. John, Leanne and Patty have always gone above and beyond, and for that I am forever grateful.
    Jessica
     | Everett, WA
  • Trusted Advocates

    Our lawyers have been recognized for their professionalism and legal ability by prestigious institutions, including Chambers & Partners, Best Lawyers®, Super Lawyers®, Martindale-Hubbell, and others.

  • Personal Approach
    It is our goal to achieve the best possible results for our clients while delivering world-class personal service. We provide compassionate, responsive, and proactive representation.
  • Family Law Expertise
    McKinley Irvin represents clients in both traditional and complex family law matters, including subspecialties such as international cases and high-asset financial distributions.
Lawrence S. Merrifield, Jr.
Lawrence S. Merrifield, Jr.