Charles M. Merkel, Jr., Inducted into Ole Miss Law School Hall of Fame
We’re excited to announce that Charles (Charlie) M. Merkel, Jr., has been inducted into the University of Mississippi School of Law Alumni Hall of Fame! This prestigious honor is reserved for alumni who bring distinction to the law school through professional achievement and service. For decades, Charlie has been a powerful force in Mississippi plaintiffs’ litigation. It’s wonderful to see him receive this well-deserved recognition for his years of serving as a dedicated advocate for catastrophic injury victims.
What the Ole Miss Law Alumni Hall of Fame recognizes
The Ole Miss Law Alumni Hall of Fame honors graduates who elevate the reputation of the law school. Inductees are selected based on professional excellence and their service to the legal community. There are notable restrictions on who can be inducted as well. Certain individuals – such as current elected officials, sitting judges, faculty, and university employees – are not eligible for nomination. Inductees are recognized annually during Law Alumni Weekend in Oxford, Mississippi, where Charlie was honored this year. This is a career-defining honor, and our team is proud to see Charlie’s name added to this prestigious list.
A career built on trial advocacy and results
For over 40 years, Charlie has been litigating cases. He’s presented before juries over 400 times. The claims Charlie takes on involve complex litigation related to medical malpractice, product liability, toxic torts, and catastrophic injuries.
He has recovered multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements in many high-stakes cases.
From Ole Miss to the U.S. Department of Justice
Charlie graduated from law school magna cum laude and was 2nd in his class. He was in the DOJ Honors Program, Tax Division, which meant that he tried cases in U.S. District Courts across multiple states. This early exposure to federal courtroom litigation built his foundation for later complex trial work.
Leadership in the trial lawyer community
Charlie has served in many leadership roles in the legal community, including two terms as the ABOTA President. He’s also been active with the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. He’s a frequent lecturer on trial advocacy who isn’t just practicing law, but also shaping how it’s practiced.
Charlie is also the recipient of many awards, including being named to Best Lawyers in America (since 1989), Super Lawyers (since 2006), Lawyer of the Year (2012), and an AV Preeminent® rating. Adding his Hall of Fame induction to his list of accolades marks a significant milestone in Charlie’s distinguished career. He has felt a lifelong bond with Ole Miss. As both an undergraduate and law school alumnus – and a former Ole Miss baseball player – Charlie has an ongoing connection to the university community.
About Merkel & Cocke, P.A.
Charlie is a founding member of Merkel & Cocke, P.A., and continues to work on high-stakes cases with the firm that he helped to build. Clients choose the firm to represent them in complex cases because the team is trial-tested, resource-backed, and dedicated to aggressive, professional, courtroom advocacy.
We’re so proud of Charlie and the legacy he’s continuing to create for our firm and the legal community. To learn more about this honor, Charlie’s legal career and our firm, or to schedule a consultation with one of our lawyers, call us today or fill out our contact form.
For more than 40 years, Mr. Merkel has personally delivered more than 400 jury presentations in the representation of personal injury victims whose cases involved complex medical and technical injury mechanisms and causation problems. After graduating magna cum laude from the University of Mississippi School of Law in June 1966, Mr. Merkel has received multiple jury awards ranging from $1 million to $20 million, and many more million-dollar settlements. He is active in trial lawyer activities and is a frequent lecturer on trial technique and advocacy, appearing at seminars sponsored by the Mississippi State Bar, Mississippi Association for Justice, American Board of Trial Advocates, and others. Learn more about Charles M. Merkel Jr.