Michael Mendez P.A.

– IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY –

Michael Mendez is the founding shareholder at Michael Mendez, P.A. While he practices in all aspects of immigration law, he specializes in the firm’s family based, citizenship and deportation defense sector. He is especially passionate for cases involving Requests for Asylum, Withholding of Removal, Cancellation of Removal and Waivers of Grounds of Removability. Since Attorney Mendez worked for the Public Defender’s Office of the Ninth Judicial Circuit, where he obtained valuable skills with regard to criminal defense law, Attorney Mendez specifically has an abundant amount of expertise concerning immigration cases involving criminal matters. In his years of service as an Orlando Immigration Attorney, he has become experienced in the field of “Crimmigration” combining his experience and knowledge of criminal defense with his unique understanding of US immigration law.

Throughout his years of practice, Attorney Mendez has had the privilege to successfully litigate deportation cases throughout the state of Florida and the United States. He has notably won deportation cases before all currently presiding Immigration Judges in Orlando, Florida. Attorney Mendez believes everybody deserves a restart button and that while in life we may not always make the best choices we all deserve a second chance no matter where we come from.

Attorney Mendez is equally qualified to represent clients in appeals and other immigration matters such as family based petitions, fiancé visas, naturalization/citizenship, and adjustment petitions. Mr. Mendez’s fluency in Spanish and his experience with not only the Immigration Court, but also immigration enforcement authorities such as Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs & Border Protection (CBP) and ICE Investigations Unit has resulted in the successful representation of clients while being investigated by the foregoing authorities.

Attorney Mendez was born in Queens, N.Y. of parents who migrated from the Dominican Republic. His wife is a citizen Medellin, Colombia. Throughout his youth he witnessed the struggles his parents made to remain in this country and achieve the American dream. Seeing his immediate and extended family go through complications with the immigration process has provided Attorney Mendez with a unique perspective and ability to relate to his clients on a personal level. Aside from other speaking engagements, Attorney Mendez has had the honor of serving as a panelist at the Florida College of Advanced Judicial Studies Conference, where he educated judges throughout the state of Florida on the legal technicalities of U.S. immigration law. Mr. Mendez has also made multiple appearances on major media outlets including Univision and Telemundo to provide guidance on issues pertaining to immigration. He is a member of The National Advocates: Top 40 under 40 and was recognized by Casa de Venezuela of Orlando, FL for his philanthropic contributions to Venezuelans fleeing Venezuela and seeking Temporary Protected Status. As an Alumni of the University of Central Florida, Attorney Mendez formerly served as Chair of the UCF Legal Knights Alumni Association where he and his colleagues raised money for underprivileged students seeking to enter the practice of law. He also formerly served as Chair of the City of Orlando Chapter 57 Board where he heard and adjudicated appeals by minority based businesses in the city of Orlando as well as complaints based on discrimination, racial, religious and ethnic group tensions. Attonrey Mendez currently serves on the University of Central Florida’s Diversity/College of Undergraduate Studies Advisory Board. When not diligently serving his clients, Mr. Mendez enjoys spending time with his family and avidly participates in endurance sports such as triathlons, running, biking and swimming. He has completed Half Ironman races, biked up mountains and is always looking for the next challenge ahead.

EDUCATION & COURT ADMISSIONS

• University of Central Florida (B.S., Business Administration, 2004); Florida A&M University College of Law (J.D., 2007)

LEADERSHIP, MEMBERSHIP & HONORS

• The Florida Bar
• American Immigration Lawyers Association
• American Bar Association
• Hispanic National Bar Association
• Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

• Admitted to Bar 2007, Florida; Florida Supreme Court
• UCF Legal Knights Alumni Chapter- President
• City of Orlando Chapter 57 Board- Vice Chair
• UCF Diversity College of Undergraduate Studies Advisory Board

LANGUAGES

• English
• Spanish