
Principal
Julia Merritt
Atlanta, GA

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.
The Clock is Ticking for Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Claims
Military members and their families dedicate their lives in service to our country. As a…
Two Service Members’ Groups Endorse Our Camp Lejeune Work
We take our responsibility to represent veterans and their families very seriously. We are honored…
Camp Lejeune Litigation Enters Second Stage – Filing Lawsuits
On Aug. 10, 2022, President Biden signed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA), which created a…
Beasley Allen Names Twelve New Principals at Three Locations
Beasley Allen has named twelve lawyers as new principals and three as new associates at…
Our Firm is Handling Thousands of Camp Lejeune Claims
In August, a new law paved the way for Camp Lejeune water contamination claims to…
Camp Lejeune Justice Act: Victims Have Limited Time to Seek Compensation
President Biden has signed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which creates a valid claim for…