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also known as John G. Merna
"I founded The Merna Law Group with the idea that everyone has the right to affordable legal help. The legal process can be a stressful and difficult experience. Our goal is to remove that stress and make the process easy. I haven't done my job unless the client feels that way."
About my firm:
Founder of The Merna Law Group, P.C. voted "Best Law Firm" in several cities throughout the Tidewater area by readers of The Virginian Pilot and in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, & 2011.
Associations:
President of the Tidewater Bankruptcy Bar Association - 2010-2011
Associations: Virginia State Bar, California State Bar, Board Member of the Tidewater Bankruptcy Bar Association, Member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers.
Education:
B.A. Political Science, Virginia Tech
M.A. Journalism, University of Arizona
J.D. Law, George Mason University School of Law
Prior Experience: Central Intelligence Agency
Bar Membership: Virginia & California
5
Practice Areas
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Chat withState: Virginia
Acquired: 1992
No misconduct found
State: California
Acquired: 1995
No misconduct found
11815 Fountain Way, #300, Newport News, VA, 23606
621 North Lynnhaven Road, Virginia Beach, VA, 23452
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23225
Serving, Chesapeake, VA, 23323
Serving, Norfolk, VA, 23502
Serving, Hampton, VA, 23666
Serving, Portsmouth, VA, 23704
Serving, Suffolk, VA, 23435
Serving, Williamsburg, VA, 23185
Serving, Gloucester, VA, 23061
Showing 1 - 5 of 13 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | October 25, 2022 | Hired Attorney
John was so helpful with my case. Went above and beyond to help me through a really difficult decision and time. Made the process smooth and organized. Appreciate him and his staff. Thank you so very much!!!!
Posted by anonymous | November 12, 2015 | Consulted Attorney
Attorney Merna took the time to understand my situation and then explain in easy to understand terms my options. He helped me to gain insight into not only my choices but went on to outline what each choice would look like. In the end, he was honest and explain why at this moment my case was not yet ...
Posted by Andrea | July 24, 2015
i used merna law for chapter 7, I was very embarrassed and felt like a failure, he explained everything well, and really fought for me. my credit was terrible i could not even get a car loan. he got my case discharged, explained how to build credit. 1 year later for approved for 1.4% car loan for fiv...
Posted by Kelly | November 1, 2011
I was very impressed with John Merna when we first met. He was professional, but cool and casual and friendly. I immediately felt comfortable and confident that my bankruptcy would be over and done with as soon as possible and that I was doing the right thing. I already have and will continue to reco...
Posted by anonymous | November 1, 2011
" Thank you for the patience and understanding shown through some of the most difficult times. I could not have found a better team and law firm. After trying other firms this one comes highly recommended when others said no and didn't have the time the Merna Law Group said life doesn't have to be th...
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Merna is an amazing attorney and wonderful mentor and boss. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience in bankruptcy and consumer law and it shows in his successful practice. Mr. Merna is patient and kind with both his clients and his staff. I feel very lucky to have him as a mentor in the early stages of my legal career and have already gained so much knowledge by working for him."
"I endorse this lawyer. He provides detailed and insightful analysis to questions posed by AVVO subscribers. The detailed responses and thorough explanations provided here display a vast knowledge of the law. He is an asset to the legal community."
"Attorney Merena exemplifies the very best attributes of an active attorney and a level of professionalism, confidence and skill we should all aspire to. Honesty, dedication and a love of the law, which means. giving back to others who lack our understanding of the law and benefit from our inherent desire to provide the right answer. The thousands years of combined legal experience of professionals activity participating in this forum represent some of the very best of our profession, which is after all, at its base is desire to help those in need. This Attorney’s experience and knowledge, I believe, demonstrates that there is a desire to provide to provide accurate advice and obtain appropriate results for clients. Most importantly, this Attorney is willing to help complete strangers (as is the case in this forum) with legal problems for which we collectively provide useful information, thereby demystifying the legal process as much as possible. I would recommend this Attorney w"
"I endorse this lawyer. Concise, clear, and thoughtful answers to questions posed. Client friendly but still professional. Cares about his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Merna provides detailed and honest postings on AVVO assisting those with bankruptcy questions. His frank comments and explanation of the law within his legal guides are extermely useful to not only AVVO posters but also to attorneys in the legal community. Having to address issues related to bankruptcy, I can state that this field of law is not an easy one to explain. Attorney Merna is a true professional."
"I endorse this lawyer. Leadership is more than doing a good job for your own clients. A really outstanding lawyer should also take the time to set high standards for other lawyers to follow. John Merna has done that on a key issue that affects bankruptcy lawyers across Virginia. Thank you, John."
"Mr Merna is a wise man who understands more than the law. He understands people, and he understands "the system." His perspective is always well worth considering & I have learned a lot by listening to his advice."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have had the pleasure of practicing bankruptcy law under the guidance of Mr. Merna. He is well-versed in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases, and I feel fortunate to have him as a mentor."
"I highly endorse John Merna. He is principled, extremely knowledgeable and presents reasoned and detailed assessment and evaluation of each matter presented. He offers compassion and committment to his clients with honest advice and practical solutions. He is truly a zealous advocate who never ceases to show anything less than an extreme dedication to both his clients and his practice of the law."
"I strongly endorse this attorney. He is a effective advocate for his clients and works hard to ensure that his clients receive the excellent representation."
"John Merna is a knowledgable, experienced bankruptcy attorney. John has a special rapport with his clients and staff members. He gives his clients one on one attention and goes out of his way to ease their stress. I have worked for John Merna for 7 years and I am grateful for his guidance."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Merna is an outstanding attorney with an exceptional reputation. He is a strong and zealous advocate for his clients and a credit to the legal profession. I highly endorse him."
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2018
Best Law Firm - Gold, Virginia Pilot Choice Award
2015
Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Best Local Law Firm in Richmon, Richmond Style Magazine
2014
Best Law Firm - Silver, Virginian Pilot's Choice Award
2014
Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Best Bankruptcy Lawyer - Silver, The Virginian Pilot
2013
Choice Award - Best Legal Services, The Daily Press
2012
The Best Law Firm (Selected Cities), The Virginian Pilot
2012
Legal Elite, Virginia Business Magazine
2012
Choice Award - Best Legal Services, The Daily Press
2011
The Best Law Firm (Selected Cities), The Virginian Pilot & HamptonRoads.com
2010
Reader's Choice Award for Best Law Firm, The Virginian Pilot
2009
Reader's Choice Award for Best Law Firm, The Virginian Pilot & HamptonRoads.com
2008
Reader's Choice Award for Best Law Firm, The Virginian Pilot & HamptonRoads.com
2007
Reader's Choice Award for Best Law Firm, The Virginian Pilot & HamptonRoads.com
2006
Reader's Choice Award for Best Law Firm, The Virginian Pilot & HamptonRoads.com
1997 - 2003
Partner, The Law Offices of Lozano & Merna
1995 - 1997
Associate, Price & Associates
1987 - 1995
Operations Officer, The Central Intelligence Agency
1982 - 1985
Civilian Contractor, The Multinational Forces & Observers
2010 - Present
Virginia Beach Bar AssociationMember
2007 - Present
United States District Court for the Eastern District of CaliforniaAdmitted to Practice
2003 - Present
United States Court for the Eastern District of VirginiaAdmitted to Practice
1997 - Present
Association of Former Intelligence OfficersMember
1997 - Present
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy AttorneysMember
1995 - Present
California State BarMember
1995 - Present
United States District Court for the Eastern District of CaliforniaAdmitted to Practice
1992 - Present
Virginia State BarMember
2011 - 2012
Tidewater Bankruptcy Bar AssociationPast President
2010 - 2011
Tidewater Bankruptcy Bar AssociationPresident
2010 - 2011
Bankruptcy Court Liaison CommitteeMember
2009 - 2010
Tidewater Bankruptcy Bar AssociationPresident-Elect
2007 - 2012
Tidewater Bankruptcy Bar AssociationBoard Member
2005 - 2006
American Bar AssociationMember
Negotiated Remainder Interest
Judgment for defendant
Order granting
1992
JD - Juris Doctor
1986
Masters
1981
Undergraduate
2010
Bankruptcy Nuts & Bolts
2010
English
Spanish
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