Merl Ledford III

Of Counsel

Current Position:

Merl Ledford III is an experienced attorney with over 40 years in practice. He joined Herr Pedersen & Berglund on January 1, 2022, as of counsel. His diverse practice primarily focuses on business transactions, wealth transfer planning, PACA and CDFA compliance and enforcement, and ag-business planning, compliance, and litigation.

 

Merl has testified as an expert witness on attorney standard of care in business transactions litigation. He has served as a Superior Court Judge Pro Tem, on State and Local Bar Association committees, and on continuing legal education panels.

Areas of Practice:

  • Contract & Business Transactions
  • Wealth Transfer Planning
  • Agri-Business Planning
  • Agri-Business Compliance
  • Civil & Business Litigation

Bar Admissions:

Merl is admitted to practice before all California State and federal Courts, the United States Tax Court, and the United States Department of Agriculture.

Education:

Merl is a 1974 graduate of University of California, Santa Barbara (English and Economics). He received his JD from University of California, Hastings College of the Law in 1978, where he served as a Law Review staff writer and Issues Editor, Trial Evidence Teaching Assistant, and Program Coordinator for Hastings Center for Trial & Appellate Advocacy.

Professional Associations and Memberships:

Merl has served on the City of Visalia’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities and on the Board of Family Planning Program, Inc.  Merl currently serves as pro bono General Counsel to Courage to Change, Riata Ranch International, The 99s International– Bakersfield Chapter, Bakersfield Flyers, Inc., Horseless Carriage Foundation, Inc., and First Presbyterian Church Visalia.