424 Main St, Liberty, TX 77575, USA
Judge Merendino's Bio
Judge Michelle Merendino – A Proven Record of Service and Integrity
Graduating from Hull-Daisetta High School at just 16, Judge Michelle Merendino demonstrated early the determination and discipline that would define her career. She worked her way through college, earning a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Houston–Clear Lake. Before pursuing law, she served as a tax manager for Clear Channel, gaining valuable real-world business and financial expertise.
Judge Merendino went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude, in the top 1% of her class, from South Texas College of Law. As Editor of the Law Review, she honed her skills in legal writing and analysis while preparing federal and state appeals—an experience that gave her a strong foundation for the courtroom.
A Liberty County resident since 1979, Judge Merendino built a respected private law practice beginning in 2002, representing clients in both civil and criminal matters. Over three decades, she has tried cases in 18 Texas counties, handled thousands of matters across federal, state, county, and municipal courts, and carried hundreds of cases to jury verdict. Her practice has spanned juvenile law, family law, child protective services litigation, criminal defense, mental health, wills and estates, torts, real estate, and bankruptcy. She has also served as both President and Vice President of the Liberty County Bar Association, earning the trust of her peers.
In recognition of her distinguished career and unwavering commitment to justice, Governor Greg Abbott appointed Judge Merendino to the 75th District Court in Liberty County. On the bench, she continues to bring fairness, diligence, and deep legal expertise to every case, ensuring that the law is applied with integrity and compassion.
Judge Merendino’s roots run deep in Liberty County. She and her husband, Jared—a 30-year veteran math teacher at Hardin High School—have been married for 35 years. Together, they have raised three children, Dani, Kendall, and Isabelle, and are proud grandparents to two beloved grandchildren. Their lifelong ties to Hardin and Liberty counties reflect Judge Merendino’s enduring commitment to the community she serves.
