Free Consultation: (877) 800-1007Tap to Call This Lawyer
PREMIUM
John Merriam
  • Maritime Law
  • Washington
Badges
Claimed Lawyer ProfileGoldSocial Media
Biography

I was an unlicensed seaman in the U.S. merchant marine for 12 years, while working my way through college and law school. Law school tuition was paid for with a scholarship from the Seafarers Int'l Union. I have practiced maritime law for 30 years and for the past 16 years have restricted my practice to the representation of claimants for maritime injury and wages.

Practice Area
Maritime Law
Fees
  • Free Consultation
  • Contingent Fees
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Washington
Placeholder image for jurisdictions.
9th Circuit
Placeholder image for jurisdictions.
U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
Placeholder image for jurisdictions.
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
Placeholder image for jurisdictions.
U.S. Supreme Court
Placeholder image for jurisdictions.
Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
John Merriam & Gordon Webb
Current
Chairman of Maritime Law Section
Wash. State Assoc. of Justice (fka Wash. State Trial Lawyers Assoc.)
-
Education
Lewis & Clark Law School
J.D.
-
Lewis & Clark Law School Logo
University of Washington School of Law
B.A. (1978) | Political Science
University of Washington School of Law Logo
Awards
Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers
2011-2015
Professional Associations
Public Justice Foundation
Member
- Current
Placeholder image for professional associations.
Wash. State Assoc. of Juctice
Eagle member
- Current
Placeholder image for professional associations.
American Association for Justice
Member
- Current
Placeholder image for professional associations.
WSTLA Maritime Section (n/k/a Washington State Association for Justice)
Member
- Current
Activities: Chairman: 1993-94
Placeholder image for professional associations.
Washington State Bar  # 12749
Member
- Current
Placeholder image for professional associations.
King County Bar Association
Member
- Current
Placeholder image for professional associations.
Publications
Articles & Publications
Are Punitive Damages Available in Wage Claims for Fishermen?
Trial News
Are Unearned Wages and Maintenance Payable Beyond Maximum Cure?
Trial News
Aurora
Trafford Publishing
Busted (Why I Became a Lawyer)
University Book Store Press
Don’t Concede the First and Last Days of the Maintenance Obligation
Trial News
Failure to Report Injuries Within Seven Days Not Fatal to Maritime Claims
Trial News
First Ship
University Book Store Press
Getting Stoned (in the Biblical sense)
University Book Store Press
Icicle Seafoods using Alaska Workers’ Compensation to Cheat Processors out of Maintenance and Cure
Trial News
Is Employment of Fishermen ‘At Will‘ or is Just Cause Required for Discharge?
Trial News
Looking for a Lawyer in the West Indies
Trial News
Shipowner Liable for Unknown Illnesses that Manifest After Seaman has Left the Service of the Ship
Trial News
Shipowners Can No Longer Escape their Maintenance and Cure Obligation Simply by Purchasing a Contrary Medical Opinion
Trial News
Shipping Out on Fresh Water
University Book Store Press
The Last Voyage of the S.S. Producer
University Book Store Press
Too Much Seatime
Trial News
Vessel Owners have Obligation to Authorize Medical Treatment in Advance . . . Maybe
Trial News
When Setting Rates of Maintenance for Seamen with a House and Family, Should the Entire Mortgage Payment be Taken Into Account?
Trial News
Speaking Engagements
Maritime Personal Injury in Washington
Lorman Educational Services
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2012
Websites & Blogs
Website
John W. Merriam's Website Profile
Website
John Merriam & Gordon Webb Website
Website
Seattle Maritime Attorneys Website
Contact & Map
John Merriam & Gordon Webb
Seattle Office
West Wall Building Fishermen´s Terminal
4005 20th Ave W
#110
Seattle, WA 98199
Telephone: (206) 729-5252
Fax: (206) 729-1012
John Merriam & Gordon Webb
Bellevue Office
Webb Building
225 106th Ave NE
Bellevue, WA 98004
Toll-Free: (877) 800-1007
Telephone: (425) 454-3800
Fax: (425) 307-6446