S. Lee Merritt, Esq., commonly known as “the people’s lawyer,” is emerging as an influential new voice in the fight for Social Justice. A Civil Rights activist and attorney, Merritt runs a high-profile practice focusing on victims of police brutality, hate crimes and corporate discrimination.

As an activist, he has championed police reform and community empowerment. His office has led the way in reform in Texas, a state notorious for its failure to prosecute police officer, advocating for the first murder indictments of officers in the state in over 40 years. Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey in the Summer of 2017, Merritt helped to launch the American Black Cross, a disaster relief organization geared to serve the most vulnerable sectors of society.

In 2017 Merritt was recognized as one of the top 10 most influential African Americans in the country ages 18 to 45 by The Root. The National Black Caucasus of State Legislators awarded Merritt the prestigious “Nation Builder” award, adding him to an elite list of recipients including President Barrack Obama, Shirley Chisholm and Vernon Jordan.

Merritt Law Firm is a federally based practice that represents victims all over the country. Merritt holds licenses in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the State of New Jersey, federally in Eastern District of Pennsylvania and US District Court of the Northern District of Texas. Merritt is a Cum Laude graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. He attended law school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at Temple University’s James Beasley School of Law and is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He began his legal career with the Cochran Firm Philadelphia before going into private practice.

Texas Clients Botham Jean and Atatiana Jefferson were both murdered by police officers within miles of each other in their homes in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. These tragic events sparked a national conversation about officer use of force and accountability. Working alongside partners in the activist and legal community, the team was able to secure rare indictments in both cases. Merritt continues to travel and speak around the country seeking justice for the many victims of police brutality.

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