Nyree “Loni” Cruz serves as Office Manager for The Law Office of Jennifer M. Merkle, LLC, bringing more than 20 years of federal law enforcement and government management experience to the firm.
Prior to joining the firm, Loni served as a Supervisory Contract Specialist (Business Manager) at the Federal Detention Center (FDC) Honolulu, where she oversaw federal contracting operations, fiscal management, compliance, procurement processes, and administrative oversight within a high-accountability federal environment. Her career as a federal law enforcement professional provided her with extensive experience in regulatory compliance, operational management, and deadline-driven systems.
At the firm, Loni manages calendars and court deadlines across multiple jurisdictions using Outlook and SharePoint, ensuring all filings and submissions are timely and accurate. She drafts and formats legal documents using Microsoft Word and Excel, maintains secure digital file systems through OneDrive and SharePoint, and coordinates virtual meetings via Microsoft Teams.
Loni oversees client intake, maintains updated contact records, and ensures all communications are handled with professionalism and strict confidentiality. She navigates federal court systems including PACER (CM/ECF and ACMS) to monitor case activity and support federal filings. She also manages case administration, billing, and timekeeping through CLIO, and assists with estate planning documentation using WealthCounsel.
Her extensive federal background reinforces the firm's commitment to compliance with the Hawai‘i Rules of Professional Conduct, secure file retention, and meticulous deadline tracking. Loni's leadership, operational discipline, and attention to detail provide the structural foundation that allows the firm to deliver high-level legal representation with confidence and efficiency.