LaToya C. Merritt
Partner
LaToya Merritt, a community leader and experienced litigator, aims to assist her clients make the best decisions whether that includes taking a case to trial or working to resolve a case through alternative resolutions. She has been recognized by a number of media outlets as an active and engaged member of the Jackson community through devoting her time to volunteer with Mississippi organizations. For nearly 20 years, LaToya has practiced exclusively in the area of labor and employment with a focus on Civil Rights and Title VII, as well as the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act.
An important component of LaToya’s practice entails representing educational institutions, particularly colleges and universities, including HBCUs, in suits alleging civil rights and constitutional law violations. She has dedicated a decade of service as General Counsel to The Piney Woods School, the nation’s oldest African-American boarding school (established in 1909).
Experience
- Secured dismissal of an injunctive action and costs for a school district against a teacher’s organization that challenged the district’s personnel policies.
- Achieved dismissal on summary judgment for a public utility company over a former employee’s alleged claims under the Mississippi Whistleblower Protection Act and the First Amendment.
- Won dismissal of a case against the largest aviation employer in the State of Mississippi by a former employee alleging race discrimination, tortious interference with employment, civil conspiracy, slander, negligent infliction of emotional distress and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
- First Chair litigator in both jury and bench trials.
- Experience arguing cases before the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and MS appellate courts.
- Represents private and public employers in all facets of employment-related matters, from counseling and advising to defense of administrative and judicial complaints.
- Represents governmental entities, including educational institutions,in defense of civil rights suits and constitutional challenges.
- Serves as counsel to public and private governing boards across the State.