About Zayante Patience
Zayante Patience Merrill trained first in the sciences and later in the law. She earned both a B.A. in Law and Society and a B.S. in Biopsychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, completing those studies in 2000. She then took graduate work in forensic science at The George Washington University, finishing a master’s degree in 2001. Merrill completed her legal education at Humphreys College Laurence Drivon School of Law, receiving her J.D. in 2005.
Her early legal work began in private practice. In 2007 she worked as a law clerk and associate at The Suntag Law Office, gaining hands-on experience in the day-to-day tasks of litigation and client counsel. That formative period led to a transition into firm leadership. By 2012 she was a partner at Merrill & Feilzer, Lawyers at Law. The next year she opened her own practice, founding Merrill Law & Mediation and serving as owner and principal beginning in 2013.
Merrill’s background in forensic science and biopsychology has given her a technical perspective that she brings to legal matters. In private practice she handled a range of civil matters and began offering mediation services through her firm. Her training makes her comfortable dealing with evidence-driven issues and explaining technical concepts to clients, juries and colleagues.
Her path also includes public service at the county level. She has served as Deputy County Counsel in the San Joaquin County Office of the County Counsel. In 2019 she took on the role of Interim Community Development Department Director for San Joaquin County, a temporary administrative appointment that placed her at the intersection of law, policy and local government operations. Those positions required navigating regulatory frameworks, advising public officials and managing interdepartmental projects.
Merrill’s career reflects shifts between private practice and government work. She has combined litigation experience, mediation practice and municipal law responsibilities. Colleagues and clients have watched her move from associate to partner, from firm founder to county counsel and interim director. She continues to practice law while maintaining an interest in dispute resolution and public-sector legal work. Her current practice centers on municipal counsel work and mediation services.
