Merisa Khourey Bowers

Merisa Khourey Bowers

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 16 years

Family Lawyer at Columbus, OH
Practice Areas: Family, Divorce & Separation, Mediation, Litigation

560 E. Town Street, Columbus, OH

About Merisa

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 45%

Strong emphasis in negotiating dissolutions, shared parenting, and uncontested divorces; contested divorces and post-decree modifications

17 years

45%
Family 45%

Divorce, dissolution, child custody, shared parenting, shared custody, LGBT family law, child support, prenuptial agreements

17 years

45%
Litigation 5%

Civil Protection Order, Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order, Civil Stalking and Sexually Oriented Civil Protection Order litigation - both for petitioner and respondent

16 years

5%
Mediation 5%

Family law (custody, support, allocation of assets and debts, allocation of parental rights and non-parental rights) mediation services

11 years

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 225-225 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Ohio for 16 years

State: Ohio

Acquired: 2009

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Artz, Dewhirst, & Wheeler, LLP

560 E. Town Street, Columbus, OH, 43215

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Merisa Khourey Bowers's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

17 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (17) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by Mike | August 07, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Best Divorce Lawyer in Ohio!

Merisa represented me in my divorce and I cannot tell you how throughly impressed I was with everything she did. There was a lot at stake for me - military pension, federal pension, 401k and multiple real estate assets. She handled the opposing counsel, who was particularly unprofessional to her, wit...h great skill and she pressed my case. I couldn’t have been more pleased with the outcome. She always returned my calls and answered any questions. She provided me with excellent representation and gave me the legal advice and direction I needed. I give her my highest recommendations and anyone who needs a great attorney who is always in your corner, will be your advocate, and is the consummate professional - you will definitely be impressed and I promise there is absolutely no better attorney than Merisa. She is simply outstanding!

Posted by Douglas | March 08, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Possibly the Best Attorney Ever

I had the distinct pleasure of having Merisa represent me in an OVI case (obviously a rather unfortunate occurrence in my life). My case was rather abnormal as I hadn't been drinking, but the prosecutors and police didn't seem to think this was a problem in pursuing extremely aggressive penalties aga...inst me, including jail time and fines in the thousands of dollars. When I first met Merisa, she was honest, up front and understanding. I've only had to hire an attorney one other time and that time I interviewed several potential attorneys before deciding on one. In this case, I was convinced within the first 10 minutes of our very first meeting that Merisa was THE attorney for me. Boy was I right! I was facing 2 counts of OVI charges, I lost my license and things looked incredibly gloomy. Merisa knows her stuff, she noticed a clerical mistake the government made in suspending my license and within 3 days of having it taken away, she got it returned to me, thus relieving me of a huge burden of having to find an alternative means of finding my way to work. Beyond that, she aggressively attacked the governments case against me in an extremely detailed oriented method. She found small mistakes that made big differences. While she is a ferocious attorney, she has the most friendly and easy going attorney. In the court room, both judges and prosecutors smile at her and this is certainly one reason she is such a successful attorney. That is, despite the veracity with which she defenders her clients, she never fails to be professional, friendly and understanding both to myself as the defendant, but also to the others involved in the case such as the judge and prosecutor. I noticed this went a long way. I also noticed that Merisa was well known in the court house and treated with respect. I think this is just another testament to her character, knowledge and expertise. I'll finish my review by saying this, if you are ever in a position of needing an OVI attorney, or deciding between Merisa and another attorney, don't be silly, go with Merisa (you'll thank me later). Thanks again Merisa. I am so happy I decided to retain your services. You're amazing!

Posted by Todd | November 19, 2014 | Divorce & Separation

Divorce

Almost 2 years ago I was faced with the difficult decision to file for a divorce. Having a child involved I was very concerned with maintaining my parental rights and custody. I searched the internet and found a lawyer that appeared to be very good. I hired him and after paying a lot of money in reta...iners, I was left a year and a half later no further than where I started. I was referred to Marisa through a friend and I couldn't have been happier with how she handled my case. From the beginning Marisa communicated every aspect of my case. In addition, we moved forward from day one. When opposing counsel delayed Marisa filed the proper paper work to force the expedition of the case. Although the opposing counsel seemed interested in dragging it out to rack up their bill, Marisa worked fast and efficient. Keeping my bill to a minimum. In fact she completed my case from start to finish for less than my original retainer from my first lawyer, who essentially did nothing. I would urge anyone seeking legal service to contact Marisa. I am more than happy with the results she provided me and at the end of the day it was fair to all parties involved, even my ex wife who had a shady lawyer was appreciative of Marisa's willingness to work things out amicably.

Merisa Bowers

Replied last November 19, 2014

Thank you! I am so grateful for such a thoughtful and kind review!

See All Client Reviews

Merisa Khourey Bowers's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Merisa
Benjamin Rees Nyhan headshot
Benjamin Nyhan

Family lawyer | Apr 10

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I highly endorse Merisa in all facets of family law. She is an effective advocate for her clients, a skilled negotiator, and possesses a wealth of legal knowledge."

Bryan MacTavish Griffith headshot
Bryan Griffith

Divorce and separation lawyer | Apr 07

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Merisa brings honesty and integrity to every case. Her knowledge of the law is excellent, and she zealously advocates for her client's best interests, while remaining efficient and showing concern for the greater good. I gladly refer clients to Merisa, knowing they will receive excellent representation."

Holly Patricia Regoli headshot
Holly Regoli

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Bowers is widely respected and an excellent attorney and I certainly endorse her as an attorney to meet your legal needs."

Yousef Mazen Faroniya headshot
Yousef Faroniya

Divorce and separation lawyer | Aug 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Merisa is a consummate professional with a detailed and thorough approach. I endorse this attorney."

Stephenie N. Lape headshot
Stephenie Lape

Unknown lawyer | Aug 07

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Merisa is professional and hardworking. Her work shows dedication to her clients and her clients are always happy with her work. I refer clients in the Columbus area to her with confidence she will provide them with excellent representation."

James Shields Sweeney headshot
James Sweeney

Family lawyer | Dec 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I worked with Merisa on a case in Franklin County Juvenile Court. I was impressed with her professionalism and how she fought for her client."

Ashley Witte Dawson headshot
Ashley Witte Dawson

Criminal defense lawyer | May 08

Relationship: Other

"Merisa is an excellent attorney. I personally refer Ohio clients to Merisa on a regular basis as I know she will provide the best representation possible. Merisa's high work ethic coupled with her competency level makes her a well-rounded attorney in every aspect. I fully endorse Merisa Bowers."

Adam Boyd Bleile headshot
Adam Bleile

Criminal defense lawyer | May 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have co-counseled a couple of criminal cases with Merisa. I was highly impressed with both her work ethic and the way she works with clients. The clients actually thanked me for bringing her into their cases because she took the time to give their matter her full attention. She was always available to them and answered their questions. She showed great respect and compassion towards clients who were going through a scary time in their life. Recently a client of mine had family law issue in Columbus, Ohio. I was meeting with the client on a Saturday afternoon and I called Merisa's office number expecting to leave a message to contact my client. Merisa answered the phone and spoke with my client right then and there (ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON)! To this day my client is grateful to me for referring her to Merisa. Merisa has a never failed to impress me."

Raenell Leigh Nagel headshot
Raenell Nagel

Family lawyer | Jan 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Bowers is a talented attorney dedicated to assisting clients through complex and difficult family legal matters. She is smart, professional, and responsive."

Bradley William Miller headshot
Bradley Miller

Unknown lawyer | Jan 30

Relationship: Friend

"Merisa is a no-nonsense type of lawyer. Whether in a criminal case or domestic matter, she knows what your rights are and will make sure that she looks out for you. If you are looking for an advocate, she is a great attorney to have on your side."

Drew Daniel Price headshot
Drew Price

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Brandi Nicole Buchenau headshot
Brandi Buchenau

Unknown lawyer | Aug 31

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Merisa is extremely knowledgeable. She is zealous advocate for her clients."

Daryle Cathlene Tibbs headshot
Daryle Tibbs

Family lawyer | Jan 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Bowers and I often come into contact with each other at networking events. Ms. Bowers' clients are very vocal about what a great job she does. She is prompt, courteous and she knows the local practice and procedures. Ms. Bowers will be moving to Columbus this summer and she will be greatly missed in Cincinnati. I own property in Columbus and if I ever need an attorney up there, I will use Ms. Bowers."

View All Endorsements
Olivia Kathleen Smith headshot
Olivia Smith

Divorce and separation lawyer

James Shields Sweeney headshot
James Sweeney

Family lawyer

Adam Boyd Bleile headshot
Adam Bleile

Criminal defense lawyer

Bryan MacTavish Griffith headshot
Bryan Griffith

Trucking accident lawyer

Raenell Leigh Nagel headshot
Raenell Nagel

Environmental and natural resources lawyer

Bradley William Miller headshot
Bradley Miller

Business lawyer

Larry Steven Hayman headshot
Larry Hayman

Education lawyer

Robert Francis Healey Jr. headshot
Robert Healey

Criminal defense lawyer

Drew Daniel Price headshot
Drew Price

Unknown lawyer

Theodore Joseph Froncek Jr. headshot
Theodore Froncek

Federal crime lawyer

Brandi Nicole Buchenau headshot
Brandi Buchenau

General practice lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2019

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2016

Best LGBT Lawyers Under 40, National LGBT Bar Association

2013

Ohio Bar College, Ohio State Bar Association

2009

CALI Award for performance in course: American Legal Profession, CALI

Work Experience

2010 - Present

Principal, Merisa K. Bowers Attorney at Law LLC

2008 - 2009

Law Clerk, Friedman & Gilbert

2007 - 2007

Judicial Extern, U.S. District Court, N.D. Ohio

2005 - 2006

Worker's Compensation Administrative Assistant, Dinsmore & Shohl

Associations

2014 - Present

National LGBT Bar Association

Family Law Institute

2012 - Present

Columbus Bar Association

Attorney Member

2012 - Present

Gahanna Area Chamber of Commerce

Member

2016 - 2018

Central Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

President

2013 - 2015

Columbus Bar Association

LGBT Committee Co-Chair

2012 - 2020

Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Attorney Member

2012 - 2019

Central Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2009 - 2019

Ohio State Bar Association

Attorney Member

Sample of Legal Cases

U.S. v. Keys

Not Guilty Jury Verdict

State v. Finn

Obtained plea to misdemeanor on day of trial, misdemeanor subsequently expunged

See More Legal Cases

Education

2009

Case Western Reserve University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2005

University of Cincinnati

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2019

Family Law Institute

Practical Considerations for LGBT Family Law Matters

2016

Springfield Human Resources Managers Association Monthly Luncheon (May)

Legal Issues for Transgender Students and Employees

2015

Moyer Inns of Court May Meeting

Obergefell v. Hodges - Same Sex Marriage

2015

LGBT Diversity and Inclusion Conference Inclusion in the Workplace

2015

Lavender Law Conference

Bi Law

2013

Women's Defense Network CHL Course

Concealed Handgun Laws and Issues

2013

First Annual Secular Summit, Columbus, Ohio

Alternative Relationships and Secularism

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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