The Bates & Merryman Law Firm was founded by two friends and colleagues with a shared passion for the practice of law and a commitment to serving their community. The firm is partner-owned by attorneys from different backgrounds, including Black ownership at the partner level, and is based in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri. Both partners were born and raised in Kansas City and bring a deep understanding of the community they serve. We strive to provide every client with the same level of care, diligence, and legal service we would expect for ourselves and our families. We take pride in our experience and our willingness to take cases to trial when necessary. Having handled thousands of cases throughout the Kansas City metro area, we welcome the opportunity to work on your behalf. If you have been arrested or believe you may be the target of a criminal investigation, contact the criminal defense attorneys at The Bates & Merryman Law Firm today.
The Bates and Merryman Law Firm LLC has a singular passion: helping you resolve your legal issue swiftly and successfully. Matthew T. Merryman and Nicholas Bates come from unique backgrounds and diverse experiences and both are committed to providing clients with exceptional legal representation in and out of the courtroom.
Take a closer look at what motivates The Bates and Merryman Law Firm LLC to work hard on your behalf and why there is no other ally you want by your side when facing legal difficulties.
Attorneys Matthew T. Merryman and Nicholas Bates are friends and colleagues who formed The Bates and Merryman Law Firm LLC after successful separate legal careers. As Kansas City natives, the attorneys have returned to their common hometown to serve and give back.
Both attorneys got their start in the Missouri Public Defender’s Office, fighting hard for the rights of the most vulnerable. There, they gained valuable courtroom experience that serves them and their clients to this day. This passion for helping those facing difficult legal challenges followed them as they undertook new challenges.
Attorney Merryman’s background includes working on complex litigation including CERCLA (“Superfund”) cost recovery and contribution cases. He also practiced criminal and appellate law as a solo practitioner, representing clients facing state and federal charges. Attorney Bates’ prior practice centered on representing criminal and personal injury clients in Missouri’s courts.
Though their careers took them in different directions, they are united in their unwavering commitment to helping those facing challenging legal circumstances. The Bates and Merryman Law Firm LLC is equipped with the education, background, experience and passion you and your case deserve. Though their careers took them in different directions, they are united in their unwavering commitment to helping those facing challenging legal circumstances. The Bates and Merryman Law Firm LLC is equipped with the education, background, experience and passion you and your case deserve.
Some criminal defense attorneys view their role as trying to get their client the most favorable plea deal possible. Whether because they do not have the requisite skills or just don’t want to invest the time, these criminal defense lawyers may pressure their clients into accepting a plea bargain and may have even been former prosecutors themselves.
There are cases that can benefit from a well-negotiated plea bargain. Others, though, have valid defenses or mitigating circumstances. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to criminal defense. What works for one client may not work for you. You can rest assured that we will work hard to find the most effective way to address your charges.
As former trial lawyers with the Missouri Public Defenders Office, our attorneys are not afraid to defend you in a courtroom. We know how to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and establish reasonable doubt, and our attorneys understand what it takes to increase your chance of receiving a “not guilty” verdict.
Along the way, The Bates and Merryman Law Firm LLC will provide you with candid and informed advice about your legal options. We will not pressure you to accept a resolution that is not right for you or that does not align with your desires. We can and will fight aggressively for you at every step in your case. And we have never prosecuted a case in our life and we don’t intend to start now.
Our dedicated criminal defense legal team recognizes the value of service to the Kansas City community. That is why we provide hundreds of hours of pro bono legal services every year, helping ensure that everyone has access to quality legal representation, regardless of income.
Our professional criminal defense lawyers can assist clients throughout Missouri. We represent clients in the following counties:
Not sure whether we serve your county? Give us a call to speak to our team.
For clients in every area we serve, you can count on advocacy that always places your best interests first.
The experience our Kansas City criminal defense team brings comes from years of working in state and federal courtrooms. We know how to investigate the unique details of a case and defend effectively against criminal charges because we do it every day. When you retain our services, you receive the benefit of having a seasoned and knowledgeable team on your side.
