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Brad Allen Meryhew
About Brad
Biography
BradMeryhew is an experienced and highly regarded advocate for those charged withsex offenses or domestic violence offenses in Washington. During the last five years Brad’spractice has focused primarily on sex offenses and serious assaults. His practiceincludes both State and Federal cases. His track record of trial success,dismissals and successful negotiations has achieved him a reputation as aleader in Washington for the defense of those charged with sex offenses.
Based in King County, Brad has handledcases all over Washington in recent years, including cases in Bellingham,Everett, Yakima, Tacoma, Olympia, Port Orchard, Longview and Port Angeles. Bradhas invaluable experience in advising client’s during the criticalinvestigation of allegations when CPS and the police get involved and will workto insure that you do not make serious mistakes in handling this process. Bradhas also become a resource for other attorneys due to his in depth knowledge ofthe laws, literature and strategies that are central to these cases. (SeeActual Case Results on Home page)
Brad’sguiding philosophy is to give each client an experience of justice. To insurethat happens he believes it takes extra time to meet with his clients, to workwith his client’s family and friends, to interview important potentialwitnesses himself and to tell the client’s story fully and effectively. He willalways work to insure that you are heard, that you understand what ishappening, that every potential defense has been explored, and that yourrepresentation will be smart, zealous and effective.
Brad has represented people from allwalks of life, including many high profile cases. He has represented elementaryand high school teachers, coaches, school bus drivers, day care operators, group home counselors and other lawyerswith proven results. His passion for his work, his compassion for his clients,and his common sense and humorleave a long lasting impression on all who meet him.
BradMeryhew has been speaking and arguing in public since high school. He was theWashington state high school champion in impromptu speaking, and second instate in extemporaneous speaking. In college he was a very successful debater,taking Western Washington University to the national debate tournament in hissophomore year. While finishing his bachelors degree in International Relationsat the University of Utah, Brad was a nationally ranked intercollegiatedebater, eventually placing in the top ten debaters in the nation in 1980.
In the early 90s Brad attended law schoolback in the Puget Sound area at the University of Puget Sound School of began his legal career working as a public defender, where he gainedextensive felony trial experience and supervised new attorneys as a member of theagency’s management team. His experience at the public defender’s officeincluded many felony trials, including Murder 1, Assault 1, 2, and 3, Rape 1, 2and 3, Rape of a Child 1, 2, 3, Child Molestation 1,2, and 3, Domestic Violenceassaults, and Robbery 1 and 2, among others.
Prior to his legal career Brad heldpositions with political organizations and in business, which enables him tobring a great deal of real world and practical experience to his legalpractice. After graduate school in Maryland he worked as a communications andgovernment affairs professional for three different advocacy groups inWashington, D.C., with a focus on business related policy, environmental policyand national security policy. After that he worked as a business consultant andas a manager for a large national warehouse outlet before attending law school.
Brad Meryhew is a Seattle native with apassion for gardening and the great outdoors. Raised in Tukwila, Brad keeps himself busy outside theoffice on a large garden in the city complete with chickens. He has traveled extensively all overthe world, with recent trips to China, Tibet, Costa Rica and Croatia.
Education
Juris doctor, cum laude, University ofPuget Sound School of Law, 1994
LawReview, Moot Court, Student Bar Association
Masters Program, PoliticalCommunications, University of Maryland,
College Park, Md. 1981 - 1983
Bachelor of Science, PoliticalScience/International Relations, University of Utah, 1980
Attended Western Washington University,Bellingham, 1976 - 1978
Memberships
Washington State Bar Association
Federal Bar – Western District ofWashington
King County Bar Association
Pierce County Bar Association
Snohomish County Bar Association
Washington Association of CriminalDefense Lawyers
Co-Chair,2007 WACDL CLE-“Defending the Indefensible, Sex Crime Defense.”
Presenter,2009 WACDL Annual Conference, “Absent and Uncooperative Witnesses.”
WashingtonAssociation for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers-Affiliate Member
American CivilLiberties Union
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Sex Crime
75%
28 years | 1,600 cases
Juvenile Law
15%
22 years | 200 cases
Child Abuse
5%
28 years | 500 cases
Criminal Defense
5%
28 years | 4,000 cases
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 28 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 1997
No misconduct found
Location
The Meryhew Law Group, PLLC
P. O. Box 22446, Seattle, WA, 98102
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Brad Allen Meryhew's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 36 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Karl | September 30, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Trusted Brad, Got Burned
I first hired Brad when I faced a serious criminal charge that could have meant prison. He helped me secure a sentence of jail and probation instead. Good job, Brad. Years later, I hired him again when a probation officer tried to revoke my parole. This time, the experience was very different. He ...
Posted by anonymous | April 17, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
I did my research, and I am glad I did so...
When I walked out to my car to head to work that morning, I had no clue how fast and extreme my life would change when the detective approached my vehicle and asked my name, and asked if I knew a person by their name, and then said she had accused me of sexual assault. And as the detective described ...
Posted by Mohamed | March 10, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
So glad to have found Brad Meryhew
A family friend called me distraught several months ago. Their son - young, well behaved, never before in trouble with the law - had been accused of a serious offense. The police were investigating. The family did not speak English and needed help finding a lawyer and interpreting. I had no idea ...
Posted by Brian | August 28, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
An absolute amazing team, every person made a difference
Through the hardest time of my life, this team made such a positive impact. Every step of the way the staff and Brad were key in helping me to not only win our case, but to over all ease my fears and anxiety. I really do appreciate everything they've done for us and I wouldn't recommend anyone else o...
Posted by anonymous | July 12, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Look no further
I cannot say enough good things about our experience with Brad. It was one of the toughest time in our life. Our son's life was in his hands and my wife and I trusted him. Brad is honest, precise, willing to take time to explain us everything in detail and believing in our son. We know we made the ri...
Brad Allen Meryhew's Lawyer Endorsements
"Mr. Meryhew and I were opposing counsels, and while we represented folks with very different interests, Mr. Meryhew was never anything but professional and respectful. I would strongly endorse this attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Brad is the go-to lawyer in western Washington for the zealous defense of any alleged sex offense. He has succeeded in defending many many people. He also works to educate and mentor newer attorneys. Brad is personable, trustworthy, and smart. You couldn't ask for more!"
"Brad is amazing! He is a truly dedicated advocate for juveniles. I had the privedge to hear him speak at a National convention and he taught me more in an hour then I have learned in years of practice. He is insightful, warm, and more importantly very committed to changing the legal system to treat juvenile offenders instead of incarcerating them. I am thoroughly in awe of his dedication."
"I endorse Brad. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Brad's experience and expertise is an invaluable asset to the criminal bar in King County. Brad is always very knowledgeable and professional when he is dealing with other attorneys and working for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have seen him in action, I have attended several professional conferences in which he has been a featured presenter, and he generously shares his expertise with other lawyers. He has a superior reputation justified by his superior skill."
"Brad is one of the leading attorneys in the state and a highly respected voice on Child Abuse and Sex offenses. I heartily endorse him."
"I had the pleasure of working for Brad for two years. I found him to be an exceptional trial lawyer who regularly attained exceptional results, a wonderful mentor, and most important, singularly devoted to his clients. Brad lives and breathes his cases because he cannot tolerate the idea of an innocent person, or a person who needs help, being unjustly incarcerated. Protecting the due process rights of those charged with sex offenses is a truly a cause for him. He pours countless hours into representing the defense bar on the Sex Offender Policy Board, and the result is fairer, more just laws that help all of our clients. He is the reason juveniles can now seal their sex convictions. I learned so much about how to help and communicate with my clients from him, and I'm proud to have worked for him and to endorse him."
"I am glad to be a fellow defense attorney with Brad Meryhew, because I sure wouldn't want to be prosecutor against him! Brad knows black letter law like few lawyers do and uses it relentlessly in the represenation of his clients. No lawyer, no client, no judge can or will ever say that they saw Brad unprepared in a courtroom. If you want somebody to roll up their sleeves and go to the wall for you, Brad is your man."
"The authority on sex-crime defense. A zealous and effective advocate for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Brad and I were opposing counsel on (literally) hundreds of cases when he was a supervisiing public defense attorney and I was a prosecutor. I have always found Brad to be the consummate professional: a tireless advocate for his clients in court while also a very skilled negotiator. He was a formidable opponent yet also very collegial. I have referred people to Brad on several occasions with very good results and I can highly endorse him - especially in the areas of criminal defense and high conflict family law matters."
"As a prosecutor in the Special Assault Unit of the King County Prosecutor's Office for many years, I was opposing counsel on many sexual assault cases with Brad. Brad enjoys an oustanding reputation that he has earned through a combination of hard work, legal knowledge, and candor. In the cases that I had with Brad he was always very professional and very well prepared. You always knew that when you were heading into trial against Brad that, although he would remain professional and courteous, you were in for a tough fight."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"While I was a prosecutor, I opposed Brad on several matters. Even though we were on opposite sides of the cases, I can't say enough good things about Brad. He was professional, competent and pleasant to deal with. At the same time, there was no question about his dedication to his client and effectiveness. If I had a client, a friend or family member accused of a sexual offense, Brad would be one of a handful of attorneys in Washington that I would call."
"I endorse this Brad Meryhew's work. I had the opportunity to prosecute several cases against Brad when I was in the King County Prosecutor's Office. Brad does an exceptional job advocating for his clients. He is well respected and recognized as an expert in sexual assault cases."
"Rarely will you find an Attorney as knowledgable and professional as Brad. He thorougly prepares for each case and his grasp of the issues is unsurpassed. A true model of integrity for any lawyer to emulate. Brad receives my highest recommendation. "
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Experience
Honors
2023
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2022
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2022
William O. Douglas Award, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2016
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
Pro Bono Award, Washington State Bar Association
2010
Pro Bono Award, Washington State Bar Association
2010
Certificate of Appreciation, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2009
Pro Bono Award, Washington State Bar Association
2008
Pro Bono Award, Washington State Bar Association
2008
Certificate of Appreciation, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2007
Pro Bono Award, Washington State Bar Association
2006
Pro Bono Award, Washington State Bar Association
2005
Pro Bono Award, Washington State Bar Association
2004
Pro Bono Award, Washington State Bar Association
2003
Pro Bono Award, Washington State Bar Association
1991
Jessup International Moot Court Finalist, University of Puget Sound School of Law
1980
Top Ten Individual Speakers, National Intercollegiate Debate Tournament
1976
State Champion, Impromptu Speaking, Washington Interscholastic Activities Association
Work Experience
2011 - Present
Managing Attorney, The Meryhew Law Group, PLLC
2007 - 2011
Partner, Rhodes & Meryhew, LLP
2003 - 2007
Attorney, Law Office of James Newton, PLLC
1997 - 2003
Staff Attorney/Manager, Society of Counsel Representing Accused Persons
1986 - 1992
Front End/Membership and Marketing Manager, Costco Wholesale
1985 - 1986
Manager of Client Services, Michael Thomas Corporations
1984 - 1985
Director of Communications, Business Executives for National Security
1982 - 1984
Media Relations Associate, National Association of Manuafacturers
1981 - 1983
Instructor, Technical & Speech Communications, University of Maryland, College Park
Associations
2012 - Present
American Professional Society on the Abuse of ChildrenMember
2011 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2009 - Present
Washington Association for the Treatment of Sexual AbusersAffiliate Member
2009 - Present
Association for the Treatment of Sexual AbusersAffiliate Member
2008 - Present
Washington State Sex Offender Policy Board, WACDL RepresentativeBoard Member
2006 - Present
National Wildlife FederationMember
2004 - Present
Federal Court, Western District of Washington BarMember
2003 - Present
Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
1997 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMember
1991 - Present
American Civil Liberties UnionMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Allegations of Child Molestation Dismissed
Charges Dismissed.
Education
1994
University of Puget Sound/Seattle University School of Law
Juris Doctor
1983
University of Maryland, College Park
1980
University of Utah
Bachelor of Science
1978
Western Washington University
1976
Foster High School, Tukwila
Diploma
Speaking Engagements
2022
WDA Annual Conference
Cross Examination in Sexual Offense Trials
2022
Washington State Office of Public Defense
Juvenile Sex Offense Investigations: To Talk or Not to Talk
2021
Washington Sentencing Guidelines Commission Workgroup
Special Sexual Offender Sentencing Alternatives
2021
Sex Offense Defense, WACDL
To SSOSA or Not to SSOSA: The Pros and Cons of the Special Sexual Offender Sentencing Alternative.
2019
Ongoing Felony Unit Training
Residency Restrictions for Sex Offenders In Washington: Policy and the Public.
2018
Washington State Sex Offender Management Conference
Testifying in Court as a Psychological Expert Witness for SOTP Providers
2018
Sexia; Assault Nures Examiners Continuing Education
SANE Nurse Examinations and the Courtroom: A Defense Attorney's Perspective
2018
Sex Offense Defense CLE
Child Pornograhy is a Public Health Crisis, not a Law Enforcement Crisis
2018
Lunch Superior Court Judges Continuing Education Series
Sex Offender Registration: A Defense Attorney's Perspective
2018
House Early Learning and Human Services Committee
Testimony in Favor of Senate Substitute Bill 6566, Crimes Related to Sexting
2018
Court Watch Volunteer Training
A Defense Attorney's Perspective on Sexual Assault Prosecutions
2018
Continuing Education Online Webinars
Residency Restrictions for Sex Offenders
2018
Children and Youth Advocacy Clinic, U.W.
Advocating for Juveniles Accused of Sexual Offenses
2017
WDA Annual Ethics CLE
Ethical Considerations in Sex Offense Defense.
2017
WATSA Annual Spring Conference
Internet Monitoring for Sex Offenders
2017
Sexually Violent Predator Attorney Training
Advocating for Sex Offenders in Washington Public Policy Debates
2017
Senate Law & Justice Committee
Testimony Concerning SB 5578: Concerning the Release of Sex Offender Information
2017
SCC Psychologist Staff Training
Testifying in Court as an Expert Witness, A Defense Attorney's Perspective
2017
Office of Public Defense Felony Attorney Training
Obtaining Relief from Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification
2017
Lorman Webinar Series
Residency Restrictions for Registered Sex Offenders
2017
King County Public Defense Training-Cultivating Harmony
Understanding and Advocating for Juveniles Accused os Sexual Offenses
2017
House Public Safety Committee
Testimony Concerning HB 1078 and 1079: Concerning human trafficking, prostitution, commercial sexual abuse of a minor.
2017
Benton County Public Defender Training, Webinar
Preparing your Client for the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board: Strategies and Tactics.
2016
WDA Webinar Series
The Scarlet Letter: Obtaining Relief form the Duty to Register as a Sex Offender
2016
The Differences CLE: Defending Cients Who are Not Like You
Implicit and Explicit Bias in the Representation of LGBTQ Clients
2016
Roger Wolfe Memorial Annual WATSA Retreat
Client Confidentiality after John Doe v. Zink: The PRA trumps.
2016
DAC Lunchtime CLE Series
The ISRB: What it means to be sentenced to lifetime prison or supervision.
2016
Annual Chelan Conference
Put Up or Shut Up? Representing Clients During the Investigation of their Case.
2015
Zealous Advocacy in Sexual Assault and Child Victim Cases
Representing and Advocating for Juveniles Accused of Sex Offenses
2015
The 2015 Spring Research, Evaluation & Treatment Conference
Ethical Dilemmas and Burning Clinical Issues: Expert Panel Discussion
2015
Senate Committee on Law and Justice
Testimony Concerning Senate Bill 5154 Regarding Sex Offender Registration
2015
Law Women's Caucus
Rape & The Law Panel Discussion
2015
City of Seattle Office of Housing Workgroup
Lifetime Sex Offender Registratin as it Relates to State and Federal Housing Restrictions
2014
Webinar on Sex Offense Defense
Advocating for Community Based Treatment over Prison.
2014
Washington State Legislature
Testimony Concerning SB 6069, Authorizing DOC to impose restrictions on contact with classes of persons.
2014
Sex Offense Defense
Community Based Sex Offender Treatment
2014
Panel Discussion
Rape and the Law
2013
Washington State Legislature
Testimony Concerning HB 1108: Removing the Marriage Element from Rape and Indecent Liberties
2013
Washington State Legislature
Testimony Opposing HB 1232: Restricting Rental Vouchers for Sex Offenders
2013
Washington State Legislature
Testimony Opposing HB 1171: Requiring Bail for all Sex and Violent Offenders
2013
Washington State Legislature
Testimony Opposing HB 1020: Expanding Residential Restrictions for Level III Sex Offenders
2013
Serious Felony Defense
The Indeterminate Sentence Review Board: How To Avoid LIfe In Prison
2013
House Public Safety Committee
Testimony Concerning ESB 5735 Regarding Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification
2013
2012
Street Youth Legal Advocates of Washington
The Science and Practice of Representing Juveniles Accused of Sex Offenses
2012
Sex Offender Registration Roundtable Discussion
Rethinking Sex Offender Registration: Some Proposals for Change
2012
NACDL Sex Offense Defense CLE
Representing Juveniles Accused of Sex Offenses
2012
Lunch CLE Series
Sex Offender Registration Removal and Sealing the Record in Washington
2012
Guest Lecturer
Interviewing and advocating for juveniles seeking relief from sex offender registration.
2012
Department of Developmental Disabilities Webcast Training
Relief from Sex Offender Registration and Sealing the Record for Clients with Intellectual Disabilities
2012
American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC): Child Interview Clinic
Child Interview Clinic: Legal Considerations and Effective Testimony
2011
WATSA Training
Sex Offender Registration and Sealing
2011
Sex Offense Treatment Coordinators Training
Sex Offender Registration and Sealing
2011
Juvenile Justice Class
Juvenile Sex Offenders
2011
In House Training
Juvenile Sex Offender Registration and Sealing Juvenile Records
2011
In House CLE
Use and Abuse of Psychosexual Evaluations
2011
2011 Defender Conference
Juvenile Sex Offenders, Theory and Practice
2010
WATSA Spring Conference
Testifying in Court for Sexual Deviancy Evaluators
2010
WACDL Sex Offenses CLE
The Use and Abuse of Psychosexual Evaluations
2010
Juvenile Justice Class
Juvenile Sex Offenders
2010
Felony Unit Training
Psychosexual Evaluations and Client Counseling
2009
WATSA Annual Retreat
How Attorneys can work better with Sexual Deviance Treatment Providers.
2009
WACDL Confrontation in Chelan
Uncooperative and Absent Witnesses
2009
Team Child Staff Retreat
Juvenile Sex Offender Registration
2007
WACDL Defending the Indefensible: Sex Offense Defense
Sexual Deviancy Evaluations
2004
Representing Mentally Ill Offenders
Mental Health Defenses and Treatment Approaches
2003
Society of Counsel Investigator Training
Legal Issues in DV Investigations
2002
Washington Domestic Advocates Conference
Working with Defense Attorneys for DV Advocates
2002
Legislative Roundtable on Mental Illness
Working with Mentally Ill Offenders
2001
Society of Counsel Annual Retreat
Jury Selection in Domestic Violence Cases
1998
Defending Clients with Special Needs
Defendants with HIV/TB and communicable diseases
Publications
2017
The Champion magazine, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Preparing a Client for a Psychosexual Evaluation
2012
Defense Magazine, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Sex Offender Registration: Getting the Monkey off Their Backs
2011
Defense Magazine, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Sex Offender Registration Changes: Additional reforms proposed by SOPB pass Legislature.
2011
Inside The Minds: Juvenile Criminal Defense Strategies Leading Lawyers on Examining Recent Trends in Juvenile Law and Building a Successful Defense
Representing Juveniles Charged with Sex Offenses
2011
Inside The Minds: Strategies for Defending Sex Crimes Leading Lawyers on Understanding the Current Sex Crimes Environment and Building a Thorough Defense, Thomson Reuters/Aspatore
The Use and Abuse of Psychosexual Evaluations: Preparing Your Client for the Most Important Interview of Their Lives
2008
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
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Q&A
How do I know if this is real?
29 May 2023
Q&A
What happens if a man says a pickup line to a girl and she think it’s sexual and slaps him ?
11 Jan 2022
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Should I press charges for false reporting?
20 Nov 2021