Florida Super Lawyer

Mr. Merting was named as a 2006 Florida Super Lawyer. He was selected through an extensive process of balloting, blue ribbon panel review and independent research. Only 5% of the attorneys in Florida have been selected as Florida Super Lawyers. Of the more than 78,000 Florida attorneys, just 26 were selected as 2006 Florida Super Lawyers in the field of "Transportation/Maritime" — 22 of these attorneys represent maritime employers and their insurance companies. Mr. Merting was one of only 4 attorneys in the entire State of Florida who represent injured workers and their families. Mr. Merting has been named as a Florida Super Lawyer again in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Mr. Merting has been named as a Florida Super Lawyer every year since the inception of the publication.

The Million Dollar Advocates Forum

The Million Dollar Advocates Forum was formed to give recognition to those trial lawyers throughout the United States who have achieved a verdict, award or settlement in the amount of One Million Dollars or more. The fact of such an accomplishment is a strong and tangible indicator of exceptional experience, skill and diligence on the part of the trial attorney. The primary purpose of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum is to certify such attorneys as members, providing recognition of accomplishment and a national network of experienced colleagues. Mr. Merting has been certified as a Life member in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Mr. Merting has also qualified as a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

Board Certified

Mr. Merting was the first Board Certified Admiralty and Maritime Law Attorney in the entire Florida Panhandle. First certified in 1996, Mr. Merting has been recertified in 2001 and again in 2006. Board certification is the highest level of recognition given by The Florida Bar for competency and experience within an area of law. Mr. Merting is a legal expert in Admiralty and Maritime Lawand is dedicated to professional excellence.

Martindale-Hubbell

Mr. Merting has attained an AV rating for many years — the top rating in the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.

Mr. Merting has also been selected to be included in the Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers™, the definitive guide to America's leading lawyers and law firms.

Gulf Coast Mariners' Association

Mr. Merting is a counselor/attorney member of the Gulf Coast Mariners' Association, which position is limited to a small number of attorneys along the Gulf Coast who are committed to protecting the rights of mariners, and whose firms do not represent the marine industries or their insurers. This Association is composed of mariners who work on tugs, towing vessels, offshore supply vessels, small passenger vessels, and other small commercial vessels from deckhand to master. Its goal is to assist licensed, certificated, and unlicensed "lower level" mariners to obtain the information they need to work safely, understand the laws and regulations that apply to their work, and experience a successful career in the marine industry. Please visit the Association's website at http://www.gulfcoastmariners.org/.