James Edward Merritt, IRS Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
Over 64 years of legal practice · focused on IRS and Tax · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Senior CounselatMorrison And Foerster Llp
Washington, DC
Practicing irs in Washington since 1962.
- 64+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you James Edward Merritt?
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Quick answer
James Edward Merritt is a senior counsel based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on IRS and Tax. James has over 64 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Morrison And Foerster Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Washington, DC
- Experience
- over 64 years
- Known for
- IRS · Tax
- Handles IRS and Tax matters from Washington, DC.
- Over 64 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About James Edward Merritt: James Edward Merritt is a senior counsel based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on IRS and Tax. James has over 64 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Morrison And Foerster Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters James takes on
James concentrates on irs and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
IRS cases in Washington, District of Columbia
James takes irs matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Tax cases in Washington, District of Columbia
James takes tax matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet James Edward Merritt — irs lawyer in Washington
James Edward Merritt is a senior counsel based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on IRS and Tax. James has over 64 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Morrison And Foerster Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
James Edward Merritt is a lawyer practicing federal tax, federal tax controversy. James received a B.A. degree from Duke University in 1959, and has been licensed for 64 years. James practices at Morrison & Foerster LLP in Washington, DC.
James's approach to irs cases
James Edward Merritt is a lawyer practicing federal tax, federal tax controversy. James received a B.A. degree from Duke University in 1959, and has been licensed for 64 years. James practices at Morrison & Foerster LLP in Washington, DC.
The kind of cases James takes
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for irs and tax matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Harvard Law School
LL.B. · 1962
Duke University
B.A. · 1959
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
California
1967 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
1962 · ACTIVE
James studied at LL.B. in Harvard Law School and B.A. in Duke University.
Law school and academic background
James completed LL.B. in Harvard Law School and B.A. in Duke University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
James Edward Merritt's office in Washington
James's primary office is at 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 6000, Washington, DC, 20006-1888. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Morrison And Foerster Llp
2000 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 6000
Washington, DC 20006-1888
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of James Edward Merritt — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing irs attorneys in Washington.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Edward Merritt claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Edward Merritt — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new irs attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a irs attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many irs matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for James
James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in irs practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every irs matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many irs practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James Edward Merritt
How much does it cost to hire James for a irs case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some irs attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do irs cases in District of Columbia typically take?
Simple irs matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside Washington?
James is licensed in District of Columbia. Matters governed by District of Columbia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with James?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new irs clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
IRS attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia
James handles irs matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified irs attorneys in that community.
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