Matthew T. Merryman is a founding member and partner in The Bates & Merryman Law Firm LLC. Matthew is a native Kansas Citian and a graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Matthew earned his law degree from the Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon. Prior to law school, Matthew worked for the Boy Scouts of America’s Southeast Louisiana Counsel as a District Executive in post-Katrina New Orleans.

Prior to forming The Bates & Merryman Law Firm LLC, Matthew worked for The Justis Law Firm LLC, a boutique environmental firm specializing in CERCLA (“Superfund”) cost recovery and contribution cases. He began his legal practice as an Assistant Public Defender for the State of Missouri as a trial attorney and continued that practice as a solo practitioner handling all levels of criminal cases in State and Federal Courts.

Matthew's practice focuses on complex white-collar litigation and high level felony matters that include Murder, Sex Offenses, Drug Offenses, Violent Crimes, and Regulatory Violations. Matthew also provides hundreds of hours of pro bono legal services annually in the criminal justice system.

Matthew is a diehard Royals fan, ardent road tripper, and amateur folk artist.

EDUCATION

• Lewis & Clark Law School, J.D., 2013

• University of Missouri- Kansas City, B.A., 2006

BAR ADMISSIONS

State

• State of Missouri, 2013

Federal Court of Appeals

• Eight Circuit Court of Appeals

• Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals

Federal District Courts

• Western District of Missouri

• District of Kansas

• Northern District of Illinois

• Southern District of Illinois

• Southern District of Texas

Professional & Civic Associations

• The Missouri Bar Association

• Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association

• American Bar Association

• Midwest Innocence Project Next Gen Board (Past Chair, 2016-2018)

• Matthew also served in the past as a reading buddy for elementary students at Operation Breakthrough for Lawyers Encouraging Academic Performance (‘LEAP’)