Charles M. Merkel, Jr.

Charles M. Merkel, Jr. is the Managing Member of Merkel & Cocke, P.A., and an experienced Mississippi trial lawyer. For more than 40 years, he has delivered over 400 jury presentations for personal injury law victims. His work focuses on cases involving complex medical and technical issues. His practice includes personal injury, medical malpractice, product liability, toxic torts, professional malpractice, litigation and appeals, and tax litigation.

Mr. Merkel earned his B.A., magna cum laude, from the University of Mississippi. He received his J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Mississippi School of Law, graduating second in his class. He later earned an LL.M. in Taxation from Georgetown University Law Center. He was admitted to the Mississippi Bar and is admitted before several federal courts, including the US Supreme Court.

Mr. Merkel began his legal career through the U.S. Department of Justice Honors Program. He spent four years in the Justice Department’s Tax Division, trying tax refund cases in federal district courts. He returned to Mississippi in 1970 and later helped form Holcomb, Dunbar, Connell & Merkel. In 1982, he and John Hartwell Cocke formed Merkel & Cocke, P.A., focusing on complex plaintiffs’ litigation involving catastrophic injuries.

Charles M. Merkel, Jr. has obtained jury awards ranging from $1 million to $20 million, along with numerous million-dollar settlements. He is a member of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, American College of Trial Lawyers, and American Board of Trial Advocates. His professional recognition includes Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, and an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. He frequently lectures on trial technique and advocacy.

Law Office Affiliations

• Managing Member, Merkel & Cocke, P.A.
• Member, International Academy of Trial Lawyers
• Former President, American Board of Trial Advocates
• Member, American Association for Justice
• Member, Mississippi Association for Justice
• Member, Mississippi Bar Association
• Member, American College of Trial Lawyers

Licensed State

• Mississippi

Education

• Georgetown University Law Center
  LLM in Taxation
• University of Mississippi School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Mississippi
  BA with Magna Cum Laude

Awards & Badges