Merck was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, and has always believed that people deserve excellent representation. He graduated from Lakeside High School in 1978 and earned a B.A. in Mathematics from Emory University in 1982. He then attended Georgia State University Law School, graduating in 1985 as part of its first graduating class. Merck was admitted to practice law in Georgia that same year. Focusing on representing victims, Merck has litigated cases in both State and Superior Courts throughout the Metro-Atlanta area. He has also appeared before the Georgia Supreme Court and the Georgia Court of Appeals in numerous appellate cases. Merck has been recognized on Expertise.com for his zealous representation of clients. He is currently a member of the State Bar of Georgia and is licensed to practice in all of Georgia’s Magistrate, State, and Superior Courts, as well as the Georgia Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. In his spare time, Merck enjoys coaching, playing soccer, and teaching.

Jennifer A. Smith is a seasoned attorney and skilled mediator. As a knowledgeable lawyer and compassionate human being, she understands the intricacies and emotional toll of conflict. Working from her own personal journey through divorce, Jennifer offers a unique blend of professional legal acumen, personal empathy, and two decades of law experience to her clients. Juris Doctorate – Oklahoma City University School of Law – 1998 Georgia Bar License – 2004 Certified Civil and Domestic Mediator – Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution 2023 Solo Practitioner

Zachary H. Smith is a Partner at Burns Smith Law, P.C., where he focuses his practice on criminal defense, family law, and civil litigation. Known for his strategic courtroom advocacy and unwavering dedication to his clients, Zachary has built a reputation as a formidable trial attorney who consistently delivers results in high-stakes legal matters. With more than 75 trials to his credit, Zachary brings extensive litigation experience and proven skill to every case he handles. In 2025, he secured a $1.6 million verdict for the plaintiff in a complex water run-off civil case, demonstrating his ability to navigate intricate legal issues and achieve exceptional outcomes. That same year, he successfully argued Wright v. State, A25A0076, before the Georgia Court of Appeals, obtaining a significant appellate victory. Zachary’s excellence in the legal profession has earned him national recognition. He has been honored as one of The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and named among the Lawyers of Distinction from 2023 through 2025, reflecting his outstanding skill, integrity, and commitment to client advocacy. Zachary earned his law degree from the Claude Pettit College of Law at Ohio Northern University. At Burns Smith Law, P.C., he is dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation—whether defending the accused, guiding families through sensitive matters, or litigating complex civil disputes.

Mr. Smith is a highly-experienced securities lawyer, chief compliance officer, and business attorney with over 23 years of experience strengthening the legal and compliance functions of investment advisers, broker-dealers, and investment vehicles. He has also represented companies at all stages of maturity with their capital and debt raising efforts via private offerings and public offerings. He has also served as Chief Legal Officer and Chief Compliance Officer for NorthRock Partners LLC and Virtue Capital Management LLC; Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of RIA Compliance Firm LLC, and Founder and Managing Attorney for LawVisory. He previously served as Chief Compliance Officer of Griffin Capital Company LLC and Research Affiliates LLC, where he also served as Assistant General Counsel.