Biography

James Merritt, Jr. was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and raised in Gwinnett County, Georgia. After graduating from Covenant Christian Academy in Loganville, Georgia, James earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Georgia in Athens.  While he was a student at UGA, James worked for UGA Head Football Coach Mark Richt and then-linebackers coach Willie Martinez. After graduating from college, James worked for a few years at a major food service technology firm in Duluth, Georgia, before deciding he wanted to be an attorney. James received his Juris Doctor in 2008 from Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law in Macon.  While at Mercer, James also earned his Certificate in Advanced Legal Writing, Research and Drafting from the No. 1 Legal Writing program in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report.  Prior to joining James Bates, James worked in the litigation group at the largest law firm in Gwinnett County, where he mainly represented banks, credit unions and commercial landlords in collection and bankruptcy actions.

James, his wife Natalie, and their son Harper live in Sugar Hill, Georgia.  They are active members of Cross Pointe Church in Duluth.

Education

  • University of Georgia (B.A., Political Science, 2004)
  • Walter F. George School of Law, Mercer University  (J.D., 2008)

Admitted

  • Georgia, 2008
  • Northern District of Georgia
  • Middle District of Georgia
  • Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals
  • Supreme Court of Georgia
  • Court of Appeals of Georgia

Professional Organizations/Activities

  • Member, State Bar of Georgia, Creditors’ Rights Section
  • Member, Gwinnett County Bar Association
  • Member, Atlanta Bar Association
  • Member, Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
  • Member, American Bar Association
  • Attorney-Member, Christian Legal Society (Vice President, 2007–2008)
  • Member, Gwinnett Young Professionals

Community/Civic Activities

  • Team Leader, American Cancer Society/Gwinnett Relay for Life, 2008–2009
  • Active Member, Cross Pointe Church

Practice Areas

  • Creditors’ Rights & Bankruptcy
  • Litigation

Administrative/Legal Assistant Contact Information

Name: Karen Boddie
Title: Legal Assistant
Phone: 404.997.6024
E-Mail: kboddie@jbpslaw.com