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I have tried to make the site informative so you can learn something about me as a lawyer and a person. Choosing a lawyer is a serious decision and should be made based on the attorney's skill, education, experience, and the concern he has for people. There is one school of thought that states a lawyer should not get emotionally involved in the client's issues or problems. I do not agree. I follow the approach of famed attorney Jerry Spence. I believe you need to care for your clients.
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Law is a way of life to me, not a job. A career in law has pernitted me to learn and grow from the experiences I have had helping people solve problems. In September 2015 I passed my 35th year as a lawyer. I have not lost any of the excitement or joy even after so many years and I have gained immense experience handling civil injury cases, criminal charges, and business fraud cases.
In the civil area I have handled auto and big truck accidents, product liability cases, and many other types of personal injuries. Our verdicts and/or settlements range over $300 million dollars. For example we have obtained settlements and/or verdicts from a jury in the following amounts: $144 million, $120 million, $20.4 million, $5.7 million, $2.3 million, $1.5 million, $1 million, 1 million, $1million, $875,, $500,, $352,, $245,, $175,, plus many more settlements for injured people. These awards are not "bragging rights," rather they represent the time and dedication my partner and I put into serious injury cases in order to get each injured person the maximum amount of money they deserve for the injury and harm they have suffered. We won't take a client's case and settle it for pennies on the dollar. We are in the case for the client. After all, it will be the only chance the client has for a full and fair award of money damages.
In the area of criminal defense I have represented both rich and poor, serious state and federal crimes, and state misdemeanors or petty crimes. My approach focuses on the needs of the client and what would be best for their present and future well-being. My clients have included a state Supreme Cout Judge, the Mayor of Jackson, prominent medical professionals, law enforcement, and hundreds of good working men, women and kids. I hope you never need my help in an area that has caused your family or friends legal trouble or pain, but if you do I hope you will be comforted by the fact that I have experience, I stay updated in my education, I work hard, and love my career. These things make a great lawyer.
Let me mention on thing about experience. Many law firms have the word experience plastered on their web site like it is a paint. Experience is an easy word to write, but a big word to back up. If you go to the Coxwell & Associates web site you can explore the vast experience of serious injury and criminal cases we have handled. You don't have to take our word, you can see our experience. Lastly, I have noticed so many people who need a lawyer searching for the cheapest lawyer they can find. That may work in some cases, but in serious injury cases or where you are charged with a criminal offense, do you really want the cheapest lawyer? Would you go look for the cheapest surgeon to operate on you or one of the best doctors? It a personal choice for you to make. Merrida (Buddy)
4
Practice Areas
45 years
45 years
45 years
45 years
Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
$ 300-400 per hour
25%-40%
5 %
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Chat withState: North Carolina
Acquired: 2023
No misconduct found
State: Arkansas
Acquired: 2013
No misconduct found
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
State: Mississippi
Acquired: 1980
No misconduct found
State: West Virginia
Acquired: 2007
No misconduct found
500 North State Street, Jackson, MS, 39201
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | November 20, 2019 | Hired Attorney
I was ignored for months. When I finally went to pick up my file, key documents were missing. Many attempts to obtain the documents have failed. Suspicious at best. I do not recommend this person.
None of us has any recollection of your problem. Perhaps you should email me personally and not hide anonymously. By speaking with you we might be able to assist you. Merrida
Posted by J.W. | March 9, 2011
When the US economy began to have problems in October 2009, one of the largest mortgage banking companies in the United States raised our monthly fixed rate mortgage by $400 for no apparent reason. I had already taken a pay cut at work and the increase caused major financial problems. After writing...
Posted by J.W. | January 17, 2011
Dear Buddy, How does one begin to say all that one feels about what we’ve all been through these last few years. Clearly there is nothing one can say but thanks. A lot goes into that word as it is relayed from me to you. Real friends, those who accept you as you are and share the low tines, are...
Posted by Wayne | October 15, 2008
I've known Mr Coxwell for many years and he has represented me on a number of legal matters. Merrida (I've always known him as Buddy) is well respected within the legal community by judges, prosecutors,law enforcement officials and his peers. If it's a criminal matter you can't find a better attorn...
"I endorse this lawyer. Merrida was one of the toughest adversaries I ever faced as a prosecutor. His sincere concern for his clients, as well as his preparation reverberate through the courtroom. He is an excellent advocate and counselor."
"I endorse this lawyer. His participation and responses in Avvo show his knowledge and commitment to his clients."
"I have personally worked in opposition to this attorney on more than one occasion. I found him to be a zealous advocate for his client while doing so in a professional manner."
"Merrida is one of the finest lawyers in the state and the South. His skills in settlements before trial and in court are unmatched. He has experience, great intelligence and a dedication to his clients. Most all of us lawyers call him the "King of the Hill". When you have Merrida on your side you have the best! Jon A. Swartzfager, Trial Attorney, Laurel, Miss."
"Buddy is an incredibly dedicated trial lawyer who I know on both a professional and personal level. His longstanding reputation in the legal community speaks for itself. Buddy has the skill, the knowledge, and the experience to effectively represent his clients, and I endorse him without hesitation. Lance O. Mixon"
"Mr. Coxwell is an outstanding attorney and advocate for the rights of people. He is distinguished by his deep care for his clients, his exceptional legal skills and experience, and his best-in-class trial skills. If I needed an attorney I would call on Mr. Coxwell. I certainly call on him for professional legal advice."
2025
Stanford Young Lifetime Achievement Award, Mississippi Association for Justice
2014
Stanford Young Life Time Achievement Award, Mississippi Association for Justice
2009
Nations Top Trial Attorney, Best Attorneys Network
2008
Trial Lawyer of the Year, Mississippi Trial Lawyers Association
2006
Top Attorney in the Deep South, Mid-South Super Lawyer
2003
Stone Pony Award, Mississippi Trial Lawyers Association
1993
Member, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
1980 - Present
Managing Partner, Coxwell & Associates, PLLC
2009 - Present
Tennesse Criminal Defense Lawyers Assoc.Member
2009 - Present
Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2008 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2007 - Present
West Virginia State BarMember
2007 - Present
Southern Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2006 - Present
American Bar Association
2006 - Present
District of Columbia Bar
2005 - Present
Mississippi Association for JusticeChair of Political Action & Education Committee
2005 - Present
Texas Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2003 - Present
Public JusticeMember
2000 - Present
Georgia Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2000 - Present
Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2000 - Present
Alabama Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
1999 - Present
Fifth Circuit Bar AssociationMember
1980 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense AttorneysLife time member
1980 - Present
Mississippi BarAttorney
1980 - Present
Mississippi Association for JusticeMember; Past President; Board Member
1977 - Present
American Association for JusticeMember
Verdict for Heirs in amount of 2.1 million
144 million verdict
Commercial fraud against many consumers
Confidential settlement
Settled for substantial, confidential sum
2009
Graduate
1980
Juris Doctor
1977
B.A.
N/A
See our website
1980
Spanish
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