John Hartwell Cocke

John Hartwell Cocke is the Managing Member of Merkel & Cocke, P.A., and a Mississippi trial lawyer focused on medical malpractice. His practice is devoted exclusively to representing plaintiffs in medical negligence cases involving serious personal injury or death. He handles complex claims involving birth injuries, emergency room errors, premature discharge after surgery, and delayed cancer diagnoses. He has developed particular experience with cases involving babies who suffer permanent brain injuries.

Mr. Cocke earned his B.A. in Economics, with distinction, from the University of Virginia. He later received his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law. He is admitted to practice in Mississippi and Tennessee. His federal admissions include the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and the US District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Mississippi.

Mr. Cocke began practicing law in Clarksdale, Mississippi, after graduating from law school. In 1982, he and Charles M. Merkel, Jr. established Merkel & Cocke, P.A. His practice gradually became concentrated on medical negligence litigation. He also has experience in litigation and appeals, professional malpractice law, and plaintiff-side personal injury matters. He has spoken at seminars about using modern technology in medical negligence cases.

John Hartwell Cocke has received recognition from Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers. Best Lawyers has named him Lawyer of the Year several times in medical malpractice and personal injury litigation. He holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and belongs to the American Board of Trial Advocates. He has also served with the Mississippi Association for Justice and the American Bar Association’s healthcare law section.

Law Office Affiliations

• Managing Member, Merkel & Cocke, P.A.
• Former Member of Board of Governors, Mississippi Association for Justice
• Member, American Board of Trial Advocates
• Former Co-Chair, American Bar Association, Healthcare Law Section
• Member, Mississippi Bar Association
• Member, Tennessee Bar Association

Licensed State

• Mississippi
• Tennessee

Education

• University of Virginia School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Virginia
  BA in Economics

Awards & Badges