Forrest Merithew is the founder and principal of Conatus Counsel (LinkedIn Profile).  He is an avid outdoors-person with a great interest in supporting his Clients and their endeavors.  He has a competitive background as a litigator and business attorney.  Forrest has lived, traveled, recreated, and practiced around the Country (holding licenses in California, Colorado, and North Carolina) and applies that diversity of experiences and knowledge to Conatus Counsel and its clients with sustainable resounding success. Forrest focuses on working with brands, businesses, and entrepreneurs that have a passion for what they do, including positive social impact work, services, and products. 

For his undergraduate studies Forrest attended Tulane University in New Orleans, where he received a dual degree in Political Science and Environmental Studies while playing for Tulane’s Men’s Club Soccer team and earning Dean’s List Scholar accreditation. Following undergrad, Forrest moved out West to San Diego, California. There he spent time as a substitute teacher, bartender, and surf instructor, before he attended the University of San Diego School of Law (USD) from where he graduated with scholastic and pro bono honors in 2009. Throughout law school Forrest regularly held internships and firm clerkships, performed work study research and analysis for professors and policy institutes, and earned practical legal experience through a number of different opportunities.

Following his graduation from law school, and over the course of his last four years in San Diego, Forrest worked for two medium sized firms, specializing in business law and complex commercial and civil litigation in a range of practice areas.  With those firms he was heavily involved in matters ranging from business and liability consulting to multi-million dollar litigation in areas of business development, maintenance, and disputes, collections, construction and real estate matters, personal injury, product liability, premises liability, intellectual property, and insurance coverage and defense. Through that litigation experience Forrest learned the true cumulative costs (money, time, stress, bandwidth, and more) of such litigation on businesses, including owners, managers, and employees.  Forrest created Conatus Counsel purposefully to provide cost-effective services and counsel to businesses in order to help them not only avoid such costly escalation and litigation, but have sustainable growth and success.  He applies his prior experience and skills gained to his current practice and clients, along with creative problem solving, efficient resource management, and an appreciation for social impact goals and planning.

Through his work with Conatus Counsel, Forrest has represented a wide range of businesses and industry as general and retained counsel, from startups to established national and international companies, including, but not limited to, outdoor recreation, sport, and gear; food and beverage; manufacturing and products; lifestyle, clothing, and apparel; breweries and restaurants; lodging and hospitality; real estate, development, and infrastructure; and startups and tech.

In his free time, Forrest enjoys travel and the outdoors any way he can, including: mountain biking, snowboarding and skiing, running, climbing, surfing, beach volleyball, tennis, SUP, swimming, camping, hiking, and spending time with his young family of five.  He believes in a sustainable balance of recreational and development activities and resource management in the hopes of providing future generations with the same exciting, fun, and fulfilling opportunities.

Professional Memberships:

  • Colorado Bar License # 50632

  • North Carolina Bar License # 42517

  • California Bar License # 265556 (Inactive)

Tulane University - B.A. 2004

  • Political Science & Environmental Studies

  • Dean’s List Scholar

  • Men’s Club Soccer

  • Pre-Law Society

University of San Diego School of Law - J.D. 2009

  • Vis Moot International Arbitration Competition – Participant and Subsequent Coach

  • High Pass Trial Advocacy Course

  • National Conflict Resolution Center – Mediation Clinic, Certificate, and Small Claims Court Internship

  • USD Journal on Climate and Energy Law – Founding Member and Articles Editor

  • CALI Award (top grade in the class) – International Environmental Law

  • USD Environmental Legal Clinic

  • National Conflict Resolution Center – Mediation Clinic, Certificate, and Small Claims Court Internship

  • Graduation Honors for Pro Bono work with Pisgah Legal and Wild South in WNC

  • UNC Chapel Hill School of Law - Study Abroad in Sydney, Australia

  • San Diego City Planning and Community Development Dept. Internship

  • Environmental Legal Society – Vice President

Other Applicable Experiences and Connections

  • Advisor, Presenter, and Mentor to several startup and business incubator programs and forums

  • Colorado Outdoor Business Alliance (COBA) Business and Steering Committee Member

  • National Ski Area Association (NSAA) Advocacy Member

  • Previous Business and Western States Steering Committee Member 1% for the Planet

  • Previous Committee Member Defense Research Institute (DRI) – Product Liability and Recreational Products

  • Previous Board Member Mountain Sports Festival

  • Previous Board Member City of Asheville Parks and Recreation Commission

  • Previous Board Member City of Asheville Greenway Committee

  • Previous President of the NC 28th Judicial District Bar Young Lawyers Division

  • "Forrest is a trusted consultant, advisor and true partner in what we are trying to do as a company and to do good through business. In addition to his legal expertise and knowledge, Forrest's personal care, commitment and dedication to our company and the planet set him apart from the field."

    Ben Colvin - Founder and President, Devil’s Foot Beverage Company and Devil’s Foot Distillery (Conservation Alliance Business Member)

  • "Forrest’s advice, counsel, and work has always been very much appreciated and continues to protect Tentsile’s brand, reputation, and IP. His outdoor recreation industry network, work, and related commitments, including environmental, are exceptional and part of the value. It has been nothing but a pleasure working with Forrest and Conatus Counsel for the past 10 years. I would highly recommend their services and Forrest as a person."

    Alex Shirley-Smith, Founder and Principal, Tentsile Tree Tents (1% for the Planet Business and Veritree partner)

  • “Forrest has been an invaluable asset to our team, providing comprehensive legal services tailored to our commercial needs. His expertise has been a significant factor in our successful navigation of complex legal landscapes. Forrest stands out for his ability to make intricate legal concepts understandable and manageable, which has been crucial in helping our team make informed decisions quickly and effectively. His approach to legal counsel is not only thorough but also cost-effective, offering us one of the best returns on investment we have experienced in professional services. Forrest's dedication and proficiency have led us to view him as an integral part of our team. Conatus Counsel has been a key player in our success, and we are more than satisfied with the quality and efficiency of his work and are glad to have him as our legal partner."

    Jason Kraft - Founder and Principal, Electric Bike Technologies, Liberty Trike, and E-Bike Kit

  • “Forrest's experience across multiple kinds of law is incredibly helpful. I have always felt like I was a partner in the process, vs. being talked down to or made to feel stupid as has been an experience in past attorney relations. Forrest is affordable and worth more than every dollar I’ve invested in his time and resources. I would recommend Forrest 10/10.”

    Stacy Bare - US Military Veteran, Filmmaker, Non-Profit ED, and all around Outdoor Recreation promoter and person

  • "I have worked with Forrest on a variety of advocacy projects over the last 6 years and he has proven to be an effective advocate for outdoor recreation and conservation. From lobbying policymakers in DC to publishing opinion pieces, Forrest has a very strong grasp of the issues, is connected to an extensive network of advocates, and is always ready to represent and protect the interests of the outdoor recreation community."

    Jason Keith - Managing Director, Public Land Solutions

  • "As an entrepreneur with a growing business, I have been grateful to have the support of Forrest and Conatus Counsel over the years. Forrest has provided us with excellent advice and counsel on myriad business matters. At Onus iV Therapy + Longevity, Forrest is seen more as a member of the team than an outside consultant. We are very grateful to work together!"

    Kristy Anderson - Founder and President, Onus iV Therapy + Longevity Businesses and Franchise

  • "I've been working with Forrest over the last decade on a variety of legal matters, ranging from contracts to trademarks to acquisitions, and I think of him much more than just a lawyer, he's a business partner who deeply cares about his clients. Not only does he possess a wealth of knowledge and business acumen, he's also genuinely great to work with and he's reasonably priced. As a small business owner, it's comforting having someone like Forrest on my team."

    Bill Johnston - Founder and Manager, Recover Brands and Purchaser and Manager, Blue Ridge Chair Works