News

–By John Merrick — In a nutshell, it begins when a person falsely accuses another of a crime to get something in return. The person who is falsely accused must be charged and “beat” the charge (no plea agreement). When these elements are satisfied, the rest of the elements tend to fall into place. The strongest claims typically involve a sympathetic and vulnerable plaintiff, against a powerful and aggressive defendant. Here are a few real examples: (1) a general contractor falsely reports that a subcontractor stole something that he was supposed to deliver to a job site; (2) a rent-to-own...

Merrick Brock was selected by Expertise.com for its list of the Best Wrongful Death Attorneys in Richmond, Virginia.  Merrick Brock was given 5 stars for professionalism and 4.9 stars for reputation. Expertise.com finds and reviews service professionals in the legal industry across the U.S. to help customers find professionals for their needs.  The selection process includes reviewing credentials and accreditations, screening for professionalism, and even posing as a mystery shopper to gauge knowledgeability, friendliness, and professionalism. To learn more and check out Merrick Brock’s selection, click https://www.expertise.com/va/richmond/wrongful-death-attorney

Attorneys Les Brock and John Merrick obtained a $900,000 verdict in the Prince William County Circuit Court for a client who was injured in a car crash in Northern Virginia.  The plaintiff, a 47-year-old auto mechanic, was rear ended while stopped in traffic waiting to make a left turn. There was minor damage to the plaintiff’s rear bumper and the plaintiff reportedly denied any injury at the scene.  The plaintiff decided to get checked out at a local hospital where he was diagnosed with minor sprains and strains and released.  However, over the next month the pain in his lower...

–By John Merrick — John Merrick was selected to the list of 2023 Super Lawyers as a top-rated personal injury attorney.  This peer designation is awarded only to a select number of accomplished attorneys in each state. The Super Lawyers selection process takes into account peer recognition, professional achievement in legal practice, and other cogent factors. John has been selected as a Virginia Super Lawyer for four consecutive years and, before that, he was selected as a Rising Star for six consecutive years. There are a lot of “lawyer lists” out there, and we believe Super Lawyers gets it right....

Les Brock was selected to the list of 2023 Super Lawyers as a top-rated personal injury attorney.  This is the 7th consecutive year Les has been selected as a Virginia Super Lawyer.  Les has also been recognized by Super Lawyers as a top-rated attorney in the areas of personal injury, business litigation, construction law, and civil litigation.  He was also recognized for three consecutive years as a Rising Star. Super Lawyers is a peer designation awarded only to a select number of accomplished attorneys in each state.  Each year, attorneys are ranked based on the Super Lawyers selection process, which...

Les Brock recovered $450,000 for a HVAC subcontractor in a payment dispute with a general contractor over work performed at three large commercial projects in the Richmond area.  The general contractor failed to pay the subcontractor for the work, despite the fact that the general contractor had been paid by the project owner.  The general contract argued that it was entitled to withhold payment because the HVAC subcontractor did not properly document its work or submit its payment claims in the proper format, and the general contractor also claimed the subcontractor was responsible for water damage caused to other portions...

–By John Merrick — John is proud to serve as the vice-president of the local chapter of the American Inns of Court. The mission of the Inns of Court is to inspire the legal community to advance the rule of law by achieving the highest level of professionalism through example, education and mentoring. Last week Judge Jayne Pemberton presented the Ester Windmueller Award to Judge Beverly Snukals at our Lewis F. Powell, III, Inn of Court meeting in recognition of her exemplary professionalism, inspired leadership, and dedicated mentoring of future leaders.  Both judges go out of their way to help...

–By John Merrick — John is currently the Vice-President of the Lewis F. Powell, Jr. Inn of Court. The Inn is named after an influential Supreme Court Justice from Virginia. The Inn is comprised of mostly lawyers and judges and is dedicated to promoting civility and professionalism. The Lewis F. Powell, Jr. Inn is a member of the larger (national) American Inns of Court. The Inn provided John with a golden opportunity to celebrate last weekend at the United States Supreme Court for the American Inns of Court Celebration of Excellence. It was an inspiring night in an amazing place....

–By John Merrick — Work-life balance is critical. Most of us can use a little more life and less work. To do so, it is important to stop, live in the present and appreciate the little things, aka “smell the roses.” It is easier said than done, especially in a world of multitasking, deadlines, adversaries and the (almost) ever present cell phone. Work-life balance starts by unplugging. Emails, text messages, phone calls, voicemails and reminders detract from appreciating the little things and living in the present. Cell phones are a boon for work, but they are kryptonite for life. In...

Merrick Brock attorneys John Merrick and Les Brock have both been selected to the list of 2022 Super Lawyers as top rated personal injury attorneys in Virginia.  John and Les have been recognized by Super Lawyers for the last decade in various categories, including personal injury, business litigation, construction, civil litigation, and Rising Stars. Super Lawyers is a peer designation awarded only to a select number of accomplished attorneys in each state.  Each year, attorneys are ranked based on the Super Lawyers selection process, which takes into account peer recognition, professional achievement in legal practice, and other cogent factors.  Only...