McLain & Merritt, P.C.

Welcome to the website of McLain & Merritt, P.C. We are an Atlanta based law firm providing aggressive legal services to our clients. Established in 1957, over the years our firm has earned a reputation as being trustworthy, diligent and meticulous in our work. We boast a team of zealous and experienced attorneys, along with a talented and dedicated staff.

McLain & Merritt provides quality representation at cost effective rates. We take great pride in our clientele and in our ability to compete with firms of all sizes. Our legal services include corporate and business law, employment law, family law, insurance defense, premises liability, products liability law, real estate, worker's compensation, and wills and estates.

Our main office is located in Buckhead. Our Alpharetta and Vinings offices are primarily dedicated to real estate closings. In addition to expert legal service, we offer continuing education seminars for clients and industry groups. We are glad that you have chosen to visit our web site and invite you to learn more about us, and how we can serve you.

James Polk McLain
(September 27, 1923- November 2, 2008)

James Polk McLain of Atlanta, Georgia died peacefully at home today, predeceased by his mother and father, James P. and Mable S. McLain.   He lived 85 full years as a husband, father, grandfather, friend, and trusted counselor. 

Known to his grandchildren as "Ish" and "Glenfee" and to his friends as Jim, Mr.  McLain was born in Atlanta on September 27, 1923.  Like many young men his age, he served his country in the Pacific theatre during World War II attaining the rank of Lieutenant.  Upon returning from the War, Mr. McLain enrolled in the University of Georgia and graduated in 1947 with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and was honored by being inducted in the Psi Chi honor society.  Following graduation, Mr. McLain enrolled in the University of Georgia School of Law.  He graduated with a JD degree and passed the Bar in 1950.  He began working for C&S Bank after graduation before organizing the firm now known as McLain & Merritt with Marvin H. Shoob in 1957. It was also in 1957 that Mr. McLain married his wife, Jeanette Reed Lewis, with whom he had four boys.  Mr. McLain was very active in the Atlanta community and beyond. He served on the Boards of Trustees of Oglethorpe University, Columbia Theological Seminary, Queens College, Presbyterian College, the Atlanta Humane Society, the Scottish Rite Children's Medical Center;  was a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland; and was a Master Falconer. 

Mr. McLain was also quite active in professional activities and he served as  President of the Atlanta Lawyers Club;  served as President of the Atlanta Estate Planning Council; was Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Atlanta Lawyer Foundation;  was a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel; and was a law instructor at Georgia State University.  Mr. McLain was a member of Peachtree Presbyterian Church for over 50 years and served as a Deacon and an Elder; served as the Chairman of the Board of Deacons; and was on the Board of Trustees of the Peachtree Presbyterian Trust Fund.  Mr. McLain is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jeanette Lewis McLain; his sons and daughters-in-law, Tom  and Cathy McLain, Pete and LeVan McLain, Rod and Shana McLain, and Keith McLain; and his grandchildren, Catherine, Abby, Grace, Liza, Isabel, William, Anna, Payton, Mia, Micah James, Amani, and Habtamu.

In lieu of flowers, the McLain family would welcome donations made to T4 Global, a world-wide community outreach ministry led by Mr. McLain's son, Pete (www.T4Global.org). 

Donations can be sent to:
2375 Professional Heights Drive, Suite 120
Lexington, KY 40515.