Zach Merritt

A defense lawyer built in South Carolina courtrooms

Zach Merritt grew up in Columbia and earned his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law. His career rests on one belief: people accused of crimes deserve a defender who knows how the system really works.

He learned criminal defense the only way that counts, on his feet in court. As a York County public defender he tried more than 20 cases to verdict, and prosecutors negotiate differently with a lawyer they know will take a case to trial. Before that, he shaped policy at the South Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense, authored statewide juvenile justice guidance funded by the South Carolina Supreme Court, and helped train public defenders across the state.

Zach joined Michael Brown in 2016 and became a partner in 2022. From DUI and drug charges to violent felonies, he now defends clients at every level of criminal court in Rock Hill and throughout South Carolina. When he’s not in a courtroom, he’s preparing the next generation for one as coach of the Indian Land High School Mock Trial Team.

Call (803) 730-1580 for a free consultation. You’ll talk to Zach, not a call center.