Phone: 864-882-2466
Email: [email protected]
BIO
Practicing law in Upstate South Carolina is a challenging and sometimes tedious task. After two years as a trust officer and eight years with a local law firm, I hung out a shingle with the intention to practice in the areas I had learned such as estate planning, estate administration and pro small business corporations, and later limited liability companies. The area presented a variety of such clients; however, I soon learned I needed to expand into real estate law. It seemed each new client also had a real estate issue. While trying to limit my practice to these areas, I have been blessed with many clients, who have become friends. The challenges are great, but that just makes life interesting and rewarding. The challenge now is how do we, a small firm, continue into the future especially as I grow grayer and contemplate some version of semi-retirement.
PRACTICE AREAS
- Real Estate Law, Probate, and Estate Planning
EDUCATION
- Undergraduate at Clemson University
- Juris Doctorate University of South Carolina School of Law
MEMBERSHIPS AND COURT ADMISSIONS
- Member of College Street Baptist Church, Walhalla, where he has served as trustee and deacon.
- Member of the Walhalla Rotary Club, where he is a past president, treasurer and director.
- Business Industry Education Partnership Board.
- Hospice of the Foothills Board.
- Chairman of the Advisory Board.
- Salem United Methodist Church.
CAREER HISTORY
- Began legal career as a trust officer for South Carolina National Bank (now Wells Fargo).
- After two years with the bank, Mr. Merrell joined a law firm in Oconee County, becoming a partner after only two years.
- In 1986, Mr. Merrell opened his own practice in Seneca, South Carolina.
FUN FACTS
- Native of South Carolina.
- He resides in Sunset, South Carolina with his wife, Suzanne.