Mercedes began her legal career in Miami, Florida where she attended Nova Southeastern University Law School. In law school, Mercedes won the Silver award for over 80 pro bono hours and worked on the Innocence Project. Shortly after graduating, Mercedes was hired as Assistant Attorney General for the State of Florida working in the Criminal Appellate Department. There, she handled numerous criminal appeals and argued before the Third District Court of Appeals.

Mercedes relocated to her native New York (born and raised in Elmhurst, Queens) where she worked as an Associate with McBreen & Kopko, a boutique aviation law firm located in Jericho, Long Island. While at McBreen & Kopko, Mercedes handled diverse matters in Commercial Aviation, Logistics, Travel Law, Import / Export and International Trade and Bankruptcy. She is admitted to the International Court of Trade.

One of her most rewarding accomplishments was running the New City Marathon in 2014 and again in 2015. She ran to raise money for Queens Center for Progress – a place that is committed to providing services for children and adults who have developmental disabilities. Mercedes also served as Executive Director for the JFK Airport Chamber of Commerce and used her network to place individuals with developmental disabilities from Queens Center for Progress in places of employment at JFK International Airport.

Her diverse background led her to the complicated world of Immigration Law. As an associate with Palacios Law Group, she is part of a unique litigation team where each client is treated with the utmost respect and care. Every client has their own unique story and we counsel them as such.