Julia Merritt

About Julia

Julia is an attorney in the firm’s Toxic Torts Section handling the paraquat litigation.

Before joining Beasley Allen, Julia was lead counsel in plaintiff’s litigation, including wrongful death and complex products liability cases. Julia also handled talc injury cases filed under the Asbestos Act throughout Georgia. In 2019, Julia moderated a panel on professionalism at the Abusive Litigation CLE Seminar at the State Bar of Georgia.

Background

Julia has two beautiful daughters, ages 8 and 9 and a cat named Sydney. Away from the office, Julia enjoys tennis, travel, and cooking. She is also an avid New York Times Crossword Puzzle fan.

Notable Cases

In July 2021, Julia was appointed by Southern District of Illinois Judge Nancy J. Rosenstengel to serve on the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee for In Re: Paraquat Products Liability Litigation, the national multidistrict litigation (MDL) regarding the herbicide paraquat.

Plaintiffs allege paraquat is defective and unreasonably dangerous and that exposure to paraquat likely causes neurological damage associated with Parkinson’s disease.

In 2021, Julia shared her knowledge and experience surrounding the paraquat litigation during a seminar for fellow lawyers. She specifically addressed the issue of preemption concerning the paraquat litigation.

Professional Associations

Julia is a member of the Georgia State Bar, Georgia Trial Lawyers Association and Attorneys Information Exchange Group (AIEG).

She is also a member of the American Association for Justice and Mass Torts Made Perfect, a networking and professional development group for plaintiffs attorneys practicing mass torts litigation.

Awards and Recognitions

Julia is an AV Preeminent Rated attorney, which is the highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards.

Education

Julia graduated from Georgia State University College of Law. She earned a B.A. from Northwestern University in English and writing. While at Northwestern, Julia was selected as one of 14 students to participate in the Honors Writing Program, and she was chosen for independent study.

Community Involvement

Julia is a member of Alpharetta United Methodist Church.