Get to Know
Lauren A. Merritt
I was born and raised in Pensacola, Florida. With the exception of the three years I spent in Gainesville, Florida for law school, I have lived in the Pensacola area my whole life.
I worked in the personal injury field before I started practicing probate and guardianship law. It was during that time my mom died in a tragic accident. Our family consulted with a probate attorney during some of the most difficult days of our lives. I remember feeling angry that there was paperwork to complete when I was still crippled with grief. It all felt so overwhelming and unfair.
Today I draw from my personal experience when I’m working with families who have experienced loss. I remember what it feels like to be on the other side of the desk, and I enjoy supporting families through the probate process with compassion and understanding. I equally enjoy working with families establishing guardianships. Family is invaluable, and I admire my clients who take measures to protect and support the ones they love through guardianship.
When I’m not practicing law, I keep busy as the wife to a southern gentleman, mom to an energetic toddler boy and a darling baby girl, and bonus mom to three beautiful pre-teen and teenage girls. I enjoy running, spending time with family, dining at my favorite Pensacola restaurants, and relaxing with a good true crime television show.
I am a member of the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association and the Florida Association for Women Lawyers. I also serve on the Advisory Board of Valerie’s House Pensacola, where I fulfill my passion for children by supporting the non-profit organization that helps children grieve after the loss of a loved one and teaches them that loss doesn’t have to limit their dreams.
EDUCATION
J.D., University of Florida Levin College of Law, cum laude, 2013
B.A., University of West Florida, summa cum laude, 2010
LICENSES AND ADMISSIONS
All Florida State Courts
All Alabama State Courts
United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida
United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama
United States District Court for the Southern District of Alabama
Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals
MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS
Valerie's House Pensacola, Advisory Board Member
Escambia Santa Rosa Bar Association, Member
NWFL Chapter Florida Association for Women Lawyers, Member