Our team
Merry A. Kogut
Of-Counsel
Meet our Attorney, Of-counsel
Family Law | Litigation | Wills and Estates
Merry Kogut, an accomplished attorney with over 37 years of experience, is recognized for her impactful roles as a Small Claims Court Pro Tem Judge and Better Business Bureau Arbitrator. Her dedication to public service is evident in her Guardian ad Litem work and as a Law Clerk at the Washington State Court of Appeals. In her roles with the Washington State Departments of Labor and Industries, General Administration, and Retirement Systems, Merry has significantly contributed to policy development and legal reform.
Merry A. Kogut, an accomplished attorney and legal expert, has been a member of the Washington State Bar since 1986. Her illustrious career, spanning nearly fifty years, is marked by diverse experiences in law, policy, and administration.
A seasoned legal expert, Merry has been offering her insights on an online platform since 2008, demonstrating her depth in consumer protection, employment law, and general legal queries. Her writing and editing skills are extensive, contributing to numerous articles, novels, newsletters, and website content.
Merry’s proficiency extends to the development, interpretation, and implementation of statutes, legislation, policies, and regulations. She has excelled in website management for state agencies and volunteered her skills for her homeowners association. Her advocacy for public service, plain language communication, and government accessibility highlights her commitment to public engagement.
In her investigative role for state agencies, Merry has conducted confidential personnel investigations and has a strong background in supervisory and oversight positions. Her ability to negotiate win-win settlements stands out, along with her work in Guardian ad Litem investigations.
Her adjudicative experience is notable, with a significant record of writing decisions at the Court of Appeals and involvement in numerous fact-finding conferences. Merry has also served as a Better Business Bureau Arbitrator and Small Claims Court Pro Tem Judge.
Merry’s legal training includes two years as a Law Clerk at the Washington State Court of Appeals and her education at Seattle University School of Law. Her legislative and policy expertise is further demonstrated by her work with the Department of Social and Health Services and the Department of Retirement Systems in Washington.
As a professional, Merry has held various roles including Attorney in Private Practice, Legal Retirement Plan Specialist, and Project Manager/Attorney at state agencies. Her accomplishments in regulatory reform, website development, and policy improvements are testaments to her innovative and strategic approach.
Merry’s extensive experience and dedication make her a valuable addition to The Cowlitz Law Group team, bringing a wealth of knowledge, skill, and a forward-thinking perspective to the table.
Education
- J.D., Seattle University (formerly University of Puget Sound) School of Law, 1986
– Participated in Law Review, 1984 – 1986.
– Engaged in extensive legal studies and research, culminating in her Juris Doctor degree.
- Administrative and Teaching Assistant, Legal Writing Program
– University of Puget Sound School of Law (now Seattle University), Tacoma, WA, 1983 – 1986.
– Assisted in the administration and instruction of the legal writing program, honing her skills in legal communication and pedagogy.
Bar And Court Admissions
- Washington State Bar Admission
– Admitted October 1986. - U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
– Admitted 1986.
– Authorized to practice in the federal district court.
Professional Associations
- Tacoma Human Rights Commission
– Commissioner for three years. - Better Business Bureau
– Arbitrator. - Small Claims Court
– Pro Tem Judge. - Guardian ad Litem
– Conducted investigations in four Washington counties. - Washington State Departments of Labor and Industries and General Administration
– Conducted confidential personnel investigations. - Department of Retirement Systems (DRS)
– Acting Appeals Manager.
– Made administrative law decisions post-oral argument.
– Acting Petition Examiner.
– Issued decisions based on record and written evidence. - Washington State Government Agency (DSHS) and DRS
- Washington State Court of Appeals, Division II
– Law Clerk, 1992 – 1994.
– Supported legal research and drafting of opinions. - Supreme Court’s Professional Guardianship Certification Committee
– Served as an alternate representative.
– Involved in setting standards for professional guardianship.
– Rule-making Hearings Judge.
– Oversaw regulatory processes for DSHS and DRS.
Core Competencies
- Dissolution and Legal Separation.
- Child Support.
- Uniform Parentage Act.
- Minor Guardianship.
- Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction
