John Gerth Merna

John Gerth Merna

also known as John G. Merna

5.0
Rating: 9.9

Licensed for 33 years

Foreclosure Lawyer at Newport News, VA
Practice Areas: Foreclosure, Bankruptcy & Debt, Chapter 13 Bankruptcy ... +2 more

11815 Fountain Way, #300, Newport News, VA

About John

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Bankruptcy and Debt 20%

Chapter 7 & 13

32 years

20%
Foreclosure 20%

32 years

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Virginia for 33 years

State: Virginia

Acquired: 1992

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in California for 30 years

State: California

Acquired: 1995

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

The Merna Law Group, PC

11815 Fountain Way, #300, Newport News, VA, 23606

The Merna Law Group, P.C.

621 North Lynnhaven Road, Virginia Beach, VA, 23452

The Merna Law Group, P.C.

7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23225

Law Offices of John Gerth Merna

Serving, Chesapeake, VA, 23323

Law Offices of John Gerth Merna

Serving, Norfolk, VA, 23502

Law Offices of John Gerth Merna

Serving, Hampton, VA, 23666

Law Offices of John Gerth Merna

Serving, Portsmouth, VA, 23704

Law Offices of John Gerth Merna

Serving, Suffolk, VA, 23435

Law Offices of John Gerth Merna

Serving, Williamsburg, VA, 23185

Law Offices of John Gerth Merna

Serving, Gloucester, VA, 23061

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John Gerth Merna's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

13 Client Reviews

5 star (13)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by anonymous | October 25, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

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

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Respect

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 ...ready.

Posted by Andrea | July 24, 2015

best of the beach

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...e years. he is laid back, but knows his stuff. sadly i live in north carolina and they made a ruling after my case that we can no longer file in va, otherwise I would use the firm him 4 life

Posted by Kelly | November 1, 2011

Thanks John. You're the best!!

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...mmend The Merna Law Group to my friends and neighbors. I really liked how simple John made everything and I was surprised and impressed at how quickly it all happened. I expected my whole experience to be a big headache and instead I felt immediate relief as soon as I first met with John. Thanks :)

Posted by anonymous | November 1, 2011

Outstanding service and reliability

" 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...at way let me show you why and they were right. "

See All Client Reviews

John Gerth Merna's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse John
Peter Francis Zooberg headshot
Peter Zooberg

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Mar 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Great lawyer! Excellent reputation."

Jim Hurley headshot
Jim Hurley

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Oct 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Juan E. Milanes headshot
Juan Milanes

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Jun 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Pamela Faye Trachtman-Allen headshot
Pamela Trachtman-Allen

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Mar 18

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"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."

Bryce A. Fetter headshot
Bryce Fetter

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Feb 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Bradley Gaylon Fisher headshot
Bradley Fisher

Unknown lawyer | Mar 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Joseph T Ostrowski headshot
Joseph Ostrowski

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Jan 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in 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"

Joseph Wrobel headshot
Joseph Wrobel

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Dec 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Concise, clear, and thoughtful answers to questions posed. Client friendly but still professional. Cares about his clients."

C. C. Abbott headshot
C. Abbott

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer | Dec 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Tazewell T Shepard III headshot
Tazewell Shepard

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Nov 29

Relationship: Friend

"John is experienced and determined. He does a great job for his clients. I endorse this lawyer."

Robert Ross Weed headshot
Robert Weed

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Nov 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Dorothy G Bunce headshot
Dorothy Bunce

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Oct 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Trey Tyler Parker headshot
Trey Parker

Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer | Oct 17

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"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."

Robyn Danielle Pepin headshot
Robyn Pepin

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Oct 06

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"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."

Edrie Arlene Pfeiffer headshot
Edrie Pfeiffer

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Oct 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Genene Elizabeth Gardner headshot
Genene Gardner

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Oct 06

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"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."

Howard M Lewis headshot
Howard Lewis

Divorce and separation lawyer | Sep 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

View All Endorsements
Jim Hurley headshot
Jim Hurley

Personal injury lawyer

Pamela Faye Trachtman-Allen headshot
Pamela Trachtman-Allen

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Chad L. Edwards headshot
Chad Edwards

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Genene Elizabeth Gardner headshot
Genene Gardner

Divorce and separation lawyer

Tazewell T Shepard III headshot
Tazewell Shepard

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Robert Ross Weed headshot
Robert Weed

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Dorothy G Bunce headshot
Dorothy Bunce

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Robyn Danielle Pepin headshot
Robyn Pepin

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Mitchell Paul Goldstein headshot
Mitchell Goldstein

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

John Morgan Ryan Jr. headshot
John Ryan

Chapter 11 bankruptcy lawyer

Karen Marie Crowley headshot
Karen Crowley

Chapter 11 bankruptcy lawyer

Edrie Arlene Pfeiffer headshot
Edrie Pfeiffer

Social Security & Disability lawyer

Howard M Lewis headshot
Howard Lewis

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.9 (Superb)

Honors

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

Work Experience

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

Associations

2010 - Present

Virginia Beach Bar Association

Member

2007 - Present

United States District Court for the Eastern District of California

Admitted to Practice

2003 - Present

United States Court for the Eastern District of Virginia

Admitted to Practice

1997 - Present

Association of Former Intelligence Officers

Member

1997 - Present

National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys

Member

1995 - Present

California State Bar

Member

1995 - Present

United States District Court for the Eastern District of California

Admitted to Practice

1992 - Present

Virginia State Bar

Member

2011 - 2012

Tidewater Bankruptcy Bar Association

Past President

2010 - 2011

Tidewater Bankruptcy Bar Association

President

2010 - 2011

Bankruptcy Court Liaison Committee

Member

2009 - 2010

Tidewater Bankruptcy Bar Association

President-Elect

2007 - 2012

Tidewater Bankruptcy Bar Association

Board Member

2005 - 2006

American Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

In re Malbon

Negotiated Remainder Interest

Gary N. Fields v. Handyman of Hampton Roads, Ltd

Judgment for defendant

In Re Packer

Order granting

See More Legal Cases

Education

1992

George Mason Univ SOL

JD - Juris Doctor

1986

University of Arizona

Masters

1981

Virginia Tech Inst

Undergraduate

Speaking Engagements

2010

National CLE

Bankruptcy Nuts & Bolts

Publications

2010

The Merna Law Group 10 Bankruptcy Myths

Languages

English

Spanish

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution