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 2027
  • Lawdragon 2027
  • 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 make a selection.
  • Please enter your state.
  • Please enter your county.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter your Case Type.
    Maximum 100 characters
  • Please enter a message.
    Maximum 500 characters
  • Please Note: Your privacy is important to us. You will not receive text messages from McKinley Irvin unless you consent to them. If you opt in, message frequency may vary and message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP at any time to opt out or HELP for more information. Information submitted through this form is not protected by attorney-client privilege, and we do not accept service of legal process or correspondence from opposing parties or their counsel through our website. Please see 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
    "Grateful with the outcome."

    I can’t begin to express how grateful I am to have had Christa Melton’s guidance and expertise during a very challenging and drawn out divorce. She and the entire team kept constant communication helping reduce any added stress. In the end, my children and I are grateful with the outcome and Christa as our legal representative. Thank you to the entire McKinley Irvin team.

    – Lillian
     | Tacoma, WA
    "I couldn't have gotten through my divorce without her."
    Lindsay Noel and her team are wonderful. She was fast and efficient every step of the way. She was also excellent with answering any questions or concerns I had in a quick manner and in a language I could understand. I couldn't have gotten through my divorce without her and I'm extremely thankful that I had her on my side.
    – JW
     | Tacoma, 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
    "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
    "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
    "David is a rockstar attorney."
    David is a rockstar attorney. If you need a smart, wise, responsive, attorney for a tough case, David [Starks] is definitely it. I felt connected, informed throughout a hard and long divorce and educated on process and next steps when I needed to be. I’m convinced that my divorce would have taken a different path without his wisdom and clear but fair approach.
    – 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
    "My team was head and shoulders above the rest."
    My team, Margaret Stewart, 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.
    – Carleigh
     | Tacoma, WA
    "Helped make a difficult process manageable."
    I highly recommend McKinley Irvin and Carry Porter as an excellent divorce attorney. She helped me navigate the divorce and custody process and was a strong support and incredibly knowledgeable resource throughout the process. Her paralegal is wonderful and was always quick to respond to any questions I had. Carry helped make a difficult process manageable, and I am very grateful for their help. Highly recommend!
    – Amy
     | Kirkland, 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
  • 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.