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
  • "The team at McKinley Irvin is professional, compassionate, and I felt like I was in good hands working with them."
    — Brian
  • Best Law Firms 2026
  • Super Lawyers
  • Chambers High Net Worth 2025
  • 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
    "He put in a lot of hard work."
    I felt like the communication between Sam and I was very good and open, I never wondered what was going on and always got a prompt response to any questions. I felt like I truly had an advocate for me and my case. He put in a lot of hard work and I appreciate it.
    Former Client
     | Tacoma, WA
    "Forever grateful."
    I’ve done consultations with other attorneys and no one compares to Hillary Roberts. She’s worth every penny. I cannot thank her enough for her patience with me, understanding, kindness, and willingness to explain everything to me step by step. Forever grateful.
    Hugo
     | Everett, WA
    "A phenomenal attorney."
    Caitlin Dennis is a phenomenal attorney! I can't say enough about what a blessing she was as her expertise is incredible. I would not hesitate a minute to recommend her to anyone. I am so grateful to have found Caitlin!
    Former Client
     | Vancouver, WA
    "An excellent job advocating for me."
    David [Starks] did an excellent job advocating for me and giving sound advice. He used his smarts and experience to focus on the essential legal matters and what was necessary to get the best possible outcome for me.
    Former Client
     | Kirkland, WA
    "I couldn't have been more pleased."
    I hired Sarah Hovland to be my attorney in my divorce case. I couldn't have been more pleased with everything she did for me, and what the final outcome ended up being. I would absolutely recommend Sarah to anyone going through what I went through...she'll make sure you don't get the 'wool pulled over your eyes'!
    Tom
     | Everett, WA
    "Good to know you hired the bigger fish."
    Lindsay Camandona at McKinley Irvin was excellent. The customer service at the firm is excellent. The best part is that when my (now ex) husband's lawyer heard we had hired McKinley Irvin, her response was, "Uh oh..." In the end, my divorce was quite amicable. But it's always good to know you hired the bigger fish.
    Tammie
     | Tacoma, WA
    "Integrity that instills confidence."
    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.
    Ailsa
     | 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
    "A true advocate and extraordinarily competent."
    Sam was a true advocate and extraordinarily competent representing me and my case. I have never felt so at ease despite all of the troubling litigation coming from the other party. Sam always left me feeling reassured in his strategy and his results spoke for themselves in court.
    Former Client
     | Tacoma, WA
    "I can't say enough good things."
    I can’t say enough good things about McKinley Irvin. Going through a divorce is never easy, but the team at this firm made the process as smooth and supportive as possible.
    Aaron
     | Kirkland, 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.