Robert W. Merkle, Jr.

Mr. Merkle attended college at the University of Notre Dame and received his law degree from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 1971. His career included the following: Trial Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice, Internal Security Division, Criminal Division, Special Litigation Section, 1971-1977; Special Achievement awards from the Attorney General of the United States, 1972, 1975; Deputy Director, Habitual Felony Offender Program as Assistant State Attorney for the Florida Sixth Judicial Circuit, 1977-1981; Trial Attorney, Fraud Section, U.S. Department of Justice, 1981-1982; United States Attorney, Middle District of Florida, 1982-1988; past member of the Tax Subcommittee and Drug Abuse Awareness and Prevention Subcommittee of the Attorney General's Advisory Committee; lecturer for Presidential Classroom for Young Americans, Inc., Washington D.C., 1986 and 1987; lecturer for the White House Conference for Drug Free America both national and regional; participated in organizing and hosted the United States Attorney's Conference on Drug Abuse Education and prevention; lecturer for many other professional organization including the President's Executive Exchange Alumni Association, Florida Crime Prevention Association, the Lakeside Talk, Bohemian Grove, California; candidate for the Republican nomination for the United States Senate, State of Florida, 1988.  Mr. Merkle was a gifted trial attorney. In private practice Mr. Merkle handled a wide range of civil litigation. He assisted many important causes and was an untiring supporter of pro-life issues.  He provided countless hours of free legal services to many clients.  He was married to Angela S. Merkle, the firm's office manager and paralegal. They have nine children.