Lonnie Paul Merritt

Lonnie spent 20 years serving as an enlisted member of the U.S. Air Force, working as a medical logistician, and successfully negotiating large contracts with medical vendors. After watching the fruits of his hard work handed off to military lawyers, Lonnie decided, “I want to be one of those guys.” At age 40, he retired from the Air Force, and attended law school in his hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana. Upon graduating, he joined a small general practice law firm in Wilmington, North Carolina, and then opened a solo law practice focused on criminal and family law. “What appeals to me in the field of law is that we are in the business of helping people. “In family law, people need even more help and an objective viewpoint as they go through this highly emotional time in their lives.” After seeing Janet Gemmell in action, Lonnie viewed her as the “ultimate practitioner,” always more prepared and engaged than the lawyers she faced. Janet asked him to join Cape Fear Family Law, and he gladly accepted his new role with a strong desire to learn from her. Janet is quick to point out Lonnie’s brilliance and quick wit, as well as his great rapport with clients.  After working with Cape Fear Family Law for the last four years, Lonnie has decided to strike out on his own to serve his clients needs!