Profile
Garrett Messerly is a trial attorney who focuses on complex commercial litigation and white-collar criminal defense in both federal and state courts. Garrett represents and advises clients before and during trials and has deep experience in government-facing investigations.
Garrett’s practice encompasses a broad range of legal matters, including high-stakes litigation involving claims of fraud, breach of fiduciary duties, unfair competition, antitrust, and breach of contract. He also has experience in multidistrict litigation and bellwether trials for major product liability and pharmaceutical cases.
Previously, Garrett served in the United States Air Force JAG Corps, where he developed his litigation and trial skills. As a prosecutor, he handled felony-level crimes in military justice and criminal cases. He also oversaw and conducted numerous internal investigations. Later, Garrett was selected as a defense attorney and served at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. There, he defended cadets, airmen, and officers in military justice, criminal cases, and adverse administrative actions. During this time, Garrett also guest lectured at the Academy's Department of Law.
Concentrations
- Trials
- White Collar Defense & Investigations
- Commercial Litigation
- Securities Litigation
- Blockchain and Digital Assets
Capabilities
Experience
- Represented a large automotive manufacturer in litigation in federal and state courts against a large automotive competitor, former auto-industry executives, and former union officials for claims of fraud, breach of fiduciary duties, and unfair competition arising from a scheme to corrupt labor negotiations.°
- Represented 3M Company in connection with the Combat Arms Earplugs multidistrict litigation, the largest MDL in U.S. history. Participated in multiple bellwether trials.°
- Represented a global rubber manufacturer for claims of fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and breach of contact against a well-known American company.°
- Represented a nationwide distributor in a proposed class action lawsuit and arbitration proceedings.°
- against claims of antitrust and Robinson-Patman Act claims of unfair pricing.°
- Represented an importer of exotic animals against claims of violation of endangered species laws.°
- Represented a large pharmaceutical development company in multidistrict litigation against claims of failure to warn and false and misleading claims.°
- Represented a large pharmaceutical development company against claims of Medicaid billing fraud.°
- Represented a large bio-medical development company against claims of false advertising and misleading sales tactics.°
°The above representations were handled by Mr. Messerly prior to his joining Greenberg Traurig, LLP.
- Deputy Staff Judge Advocate, Utah Air National Guard, 2020-2021
- United States Air Force – Judge Advocate
- Area Defense Counsel, U.S. Air Force JAG Corps, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, 2018-2020
- Chief of Military Justice, Minot Air Force Base, U.S. Air Force JAG Corps, North Dakota, 2016-2018
- Judicial Extern, Hon. Paul Warner, U.S. District Court for the District of Utah, 2013
Recognition & Leadership
- Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, "Ones to Watch," Commercial Litigation, 2022-2025
- Listed, Super Lawyers magazine, Mountain States Super Lawyers, “Rising Stars,” 2022-2024
- Selected, Air Force Company Grade Officer of the Quarter, 2020 (Q4), 2019 (Q1), and 2018 (Q1)
- Member, Utah State Bar
- Member, Litigation Section
- Member, Criminal Defense Section
- Member, Military Section
- Member, Aldon J. Anderson American Inns of Court, Present
- Member, J. Reuben Clark Law Society, Salt Lake City Chapter, Present
Credentials
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J.D., magna cum laude, Brigham Young University - J. Reuben Clark Law School, 2015
- Managing Editor of Administration & Associate Editor, BYU Law Review
- President, BYU Trial Advocacy
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B.S., summa cum laude, Southern Utah University, 2009
- Varsity Baseball
- Utah