Reviews

If you want to know what to do about a title IX allegation and how to defend yourself, the answer is hire Larry Mertes to be your advocate. Larry and his team are the answer to your prayers. Our Son had a title IX allegation brought against him in his second year of college by his high school girlfriend of 4 years after a mutual breakup. She ran into our son on campus with his new girlfriend soon after the breakup and not only took to social media with her anger but then filed the title IX allegation. Unfortunately, our son did not tell us until the night before all his evidence was due. We had no idea what title IX meant or possible consequences but the title of his allegation sounded like it could have had a legal impact. We immediately searched for a lawyer with title IX experience. After several frustrating calls with lawyers we were blessed with calling Mertes Law. Larry Mertes immediately took our impromptu call and spent 2 hours of his time, unpaid, explaining title IX and his extensive experience in defending title IX cases. He did this knowing the deadline for evidence submission would not give him enough time to prepare and take our son's case. His explanation made it all too clear that our son did not have the support of his college administration and without legal counsel would, almost undoubtedly, be found guilty. His explanation helped us understand that all colleges and universities are caught in a difficult position and must accept, investigate, and have a hearing for all title IX allegations. In addition, they are under incredible pressure to resolve these cases quickly and in every possible case, find in favor of the accuser for fear of losing funding or being cited by the Board of Education (BOE). In our conversation with Larry, we learned that our son was at extreme risk for being found guilty because title IX allegations fall under the BOE and not the legal system. With the BOE, evidence is not needed to find someone guilty of a title IX allegation and if it comes down to "he said, she said" they could rule based on who they believed. Given the earlier information presented, we knew our son was in extreme danger of being found guilty of this false allegation by a jealous, vindictive ex-girlfriend. We quickly followed Larry’s advice and emailed the college title IX Director and requested an extension for submission of evidence based on our son choosing a new advocate, Larry. They only gave us an additional 1 1/2 days. The tone of the email communicated clearly that our son was not their priority or concern. Larry took the measly 1 1/2 days and accepted our son's case. His interventions and guidance gave our son a voice. Our son's voice, with the support and guidance of Larry, was strong enough that the truth prevailed. Our son's voice, backed by the truth, caused the College to stop the proceedings and flounder for over 4 months as they could not find in the favor of the accuser as they were pressured to do and wanted to do. The truth pushed the College to change it from a title IX allegation to several violations of Policy and Procedure. Our son was acquitted on all but 1 P&P violation. We are extremely happy with this outcome as it will not be on his record and it was enough to satisfy his ex-girlfriend so she did not appeal and drag out this nightmare. Yes, Larry’s time is hourly and he talks a lot. However, Larry gives you his undivided attention and most importantly, the information and emotional support you need to weather through the ordeal and come out successful. Larry gave our son strength and confidence. Larry is straight forward and genuine which prepared us for the events. This also made it truly touching and meaningful when he said to us that our son is a wonderful, bright, caring and emotionally mature young man. Because of Larry and his team, Lisa and Karen, our son is returning to college this week.

Mertes Law is like a little family with Larry Mertes being the Check Engine Light that comes on when you are in imminent danger. If you hire him, you may soon realize that he is guiding you through the shoals of a legal vortex during what might possibly be the most stressful time of your life. He is a rarity among lawyers in that he is honest, thoughtful, measured and compassionate. Most importantly, he knows the law. He knows when it is being abused and how to respond in kind. American Jurisprudence is not something you want to deal with if you can avoid it, but sometimes you cannot avoid it and therefore need real help in navigating legal narratives, personalities, a sludge-like court system and legal leg-hold traps. I have known Larry for over ten years now and I know him to be a very smart, unrelenting advocate for the client. He is kind. He is nuanced. He is most importantly, effective. I highly recommend him to stand by your side and advise you when you need it the most.

Larry and Pete handled my case with the upmost of care and importance. They provided meaningful council when I was in dire need of it and kept me grounded during one of the most stressful periods of my life. They took special consideration when making any decisions, and always made sure to incorporate my input at every step of the way. One of the best choices I have ever made was hiring them and letting them represent me. With the help of Larry and Pete, I won my case and got to resume with my life as normal. I am certain that without their help and their wonderful team (Karen and Mariah) I would be in a very different place right now. Everyone at Mertes Law is a pleasure to work with and they are nothing but considerate and understanding. I would absolutely hire them again for any legal matters and would recommend them to anyone seeking legal representation from a law firm that absolutely cares about their clients.

Larry is a very experienced and knowledgeable attorney who represents his clients with special care. Prior to hiring Larry, I was uncertain how my case would pan out and was beyond stressed. When I finally met Larry, he helped to settle my nerves and provided me with a glimmer of hope when he described how his representation would help. Larry was always respectful, honest, and considerate of my perspective and paid attention to detail throughout my case. 9 months later and my case is resolved because of the great work Larry and his team put forth. If not for Larry, I am unsure where I would be now, but know for a fact that I made a great decision in hiring him and his team. I would definitely recommend Larry to anyone seeking expert legal representation.

Larry and his team were beyond great! It was such a relief to hand my legal issues over to them so that I could focus on healing after my car accident. The folks at Mertes Law worked hard on my behalf and got a great settlement. I'm very grateful for everything they've done. Thanks, Larry, Karen, and Mariah!

Larry and his team were beyond great! It was such a relief to hand my legal issues over to them so that I could focus on healing after my car accident. The folks at Mertes Law worked hard on my behalf and got a great settlement. I'm very grateful for everything they've done. Thanks, Larry, Karen, and Mariah!

I am writing this review for people needing Larry and Pete’s services. To summarize, their experience, intelligence, knowledge, wisdom, and kindness combined, saved our son’s future and life. Our criminal justice system is not as just as you might think. Extortionate charges filed by D.A.s to force plea bargains are threats and this is where Larry and Pete’s experience come in. Their wisdom has been honed by witnessing other people’s tribulations and their kindness is innate to the type of people they are. So, if you need the services of individuals with knowledge of this system as I described above then I would highly recommend Larry and Pete. These are two individuals with experience, wisdom, and kindness from the heart. They are computer literate and use computers at trial, but you will still see Pete with his files, folders, and boxes loaded on his cart as he proceeds to the court room. Sometimes old fashion techniques coupled with 21st century technology works! For an update on our son he is doing great and moving on with his life! I cannot say enough to express my gratitude to these two kind and wise souls. Peggy B Graham

exceptional law firm and had a great experience with them! 100% recommend :)

Larry Mertes and staff provided me with exceptional representation in my biggest time of need. After being rear-ended, I attempted to handle everything myself, which ended up feeling like a second job. I was in deep turmoil with paperwork, doctor bills, physical and mental pain, and confusion....and Larry Mertes and his team set up a free consultation immediately. They explained the whole process clearly, and eased my mind by handling the case. I’m extremely satisfied with their professionalism, time, dedication, and care that they showed me and my case. Someone I know recommended Larry to me and now I recommend him to you!

The Mertes Law Office did an outstanding job in analyzing each piece of my case and strategizing ways to determine whether or not I was charged fairly. Throughout dealing with me their team stayed on top of everything, made sure I was informed and updated in addition they answered all of my questions promptly. In the end I was able to keep a clean record and received the best outcome due to their recommendations. Mertes Law will not disappoint.