About Me

About Merel Pontier

From The Netherlands to Texas

I grew up in the Netherlands, where my interest in criminal justice developed into a determination to understand how legal systems can both protect people and fail them. That interest brought me to Texas to study criminal law at The University of Texas School of Law. What began as an academic journey became a lasting commitment to advocacy and to the people whose lives are shaped by the justice system. After becoming licensed in Texas, I built my practice around matters that demand patience, careful investigation, and the willingness to question accepted conclusions. My work includes post-conviction proceedings, wrongful-conviction investigations, constitutional claims, prosecutorial misconduct, and disproportionate sentences. That commitment also led me to establish the Clinton Young Foundation, where I work to support people affected by wrongful convictions and unjust sentences. In addition, I represent clients in selected civil disputes and limited family-law matters involving grandparent visitation rights. Although the legal issues may differ, each matter deserves the same careful attention and honest assessment. Moving from the Netherlands and building a life and legal career in Texas taught me persistence, adaptability, and the importance of being heard. Those values shape every client relationship. I work directly with my clients, review the facts thoroughly, explain the available options clearly, and pursue worthwhile cases with determination and integrity.

Recently cut out of an illustrated magazine and housed in a nice, gilded frame. It showed a lady fitted out with a fur hat and

Jone Duo

Creative Designer

Recently cut out of an illustrated magazine and housed in a nice, gilded frame. It showed a lady fitted out with a fur hat and

Jone Duo

Creative Designer

Recently cut out of an illustrated magazine and housed in a nice, gilded frame. It showed a lady fitted out with a fur hat and

Michel Jone

Creative Designer

Recently cut out of an illustrated magazine and housed in a nice, gilded frame. It showed a lady fitted out with a fur hat and

Jone Duo

Creative Designer
Research & Scholarship

Selected Publications

Featured Coverage · 2021

Death Penalty Information Center

DPIC highlighted the article’s finding that more than half of U.S. death-row prisoners were—or recently had been—held in prolonged solitary confinement inconsistent with international human-rights norms.

Read the DPIC Feature

Ready to Discuss Your Case?

Contact Merel to discuss your situation and determine whether representation may be appropriate.