About John
John H — Cocke is a attorney specializing in personal injury and medical malpractice law. In 1982, he co-founded Merkel & Cocke, P.A., located at 30 Delta Avenue in Clarksdale, Mississippi. This firm has since built a reputation for serving clients across both Mississippi and Tennessee, addressing complex legal issues with a focus on medical negligence. Mr. Cocke has been licensed to practice law in Mississippi since 1975 and expanded his practice to Tennessee in 1992. His legal credentials also include admission to the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Mississippi, as well as the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Mr. Cocke earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1975. Prior to this achievement, he completed a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Virginia in 1969. His educational background laid a solid foundation for his legal career, which has been marked by a commitment to advocating for individuals affected by medical errors. His practice primarily focuses on cases involving serious injuries or fatalities due to medical negligence, including catastrophic brain injuries sustained at birth and wrongful deaths resulting from emergency room failures or premature discharges after surgery. Throughout his career, Mr.
Cocke has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the legal field. He was named to Mid-South Super Lawyers for 14 consecutive years, from 2006 to 2019, highlighting his sustained excellence in legal practice. Since 2007, he has also been recognized in Best Lawyers in America, further solidifying his reputation among peers and clients alike. In 2016, his commitment to pro bono work was acknowledged when he received the 'Beyond The Call Of Duty' award from the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project, underscoring his dedication to providing legal assistance to those in need. In addition to his legal practice, Mr. Cocke is actively engaged in his community. He and his wife, Robin, have been long-time supporters of Northwest Mississippi, contributing to various local programs and initiatives.
Their philanthropic efforts include support for organizations such as CARE’s Animal Rescue, the Mississippi Early Learning Alliance, and the Mississippi Public Broadcasting Foundation. These contributions reflect their commitment to improving the lives of those in their community. Mr. Cocke is also a member of several professional organizations, including the Mississippi State Bar, the Mississippi Association for Justice, and the American Bar Association. His involvement extends to serving on the board of governors of the Mississippi Association for Justice, where he has been recognized for his dedication to serving the community through his legal expertise. With a career spanning decades, John H. Cocke continues to make a significant impact both in the courtroom and in the community.
