by Andy Jones
May, 2020

Christie Merchant fights for her clients with an indomitable spirit. She serves her fellow attorneys and community with selfless, servant leadership. Christie is the person you want in your corner and on your team. That is why, Christie is this month’s One-to-Watch!

Christie graduated from the University of Tulsa College of Law with Honors. From her first days as an attorney, Christie has sought to serve others and her community. As a prosecutor for the Upshur County District Attorney’s Office, Christie learned the importance of integrity and the pursuit of Justice. She continued to serve her community for several years as a staff attorney for the Twelfth Court of Appeals in Tyler. After several years shaping the law she once helped enforce, Christie decided to enter private practice and start her own criminal defense firm.

In her work as a defense attorney focusing in criminal appellate law, Christie has argued before the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals as well as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.  With her intelligence, drive, and keen interpersonal skills, Christie knows how to see the whole picture and close the deal. Christie has overturned wrongful convictions and obtained favorable outcomes and resolution for her clients – striving to keep each client on the path to redemption rather than recidivism.

Outside the Courtroom, Christie serves on the Board of the Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. She takes great pride in her work there and with the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association as she and her colleagues work to improve the quality of representation and access to Justice for the citizen accused.

Unique to DAYL, Christie has served for several years as co-chair of the DAYL Solo & Small Firm Committee. She has been a driving force in the transformation of the DAYL SSF Committee, including the creation of the Solo & Small Firm Summit and the monthly “Rainmaker Roundtable.” Because of Christie the SSF Committee is now a thriving network of young Solo & Small Firm attorneys working together to support each other and grow professionally and personally.

Christie was named a D Magazine Best Lawyer Under 40 in 2020. This award is but one star in Christie’s career. A career that is bright, vibrant, and rising to greatness. Christie is a change-maker and a leader. Congratulations to Christie, DAYL One-to-Watch!