About Mercedes
Mercedes Cano earned her Juris Doctor from The City University of New York School of Law in 1999. She arrived at law school after undergraduate studies and completed her degree at a school known for clinical training and public interest work. The credential set the stage for a private practice launched shortly after graduation.
She began practicing under her own name in 2000, establishing the Law Office of Mercedes S. Cano as a sole proprietorship. From that base she has handled matters that draw on both immigration and criminal law. She is licensed to practice in New York and has maintained her practice in the state since opening her office.
Professional memberships have been a steady part of her career. She joined the American Immigration Lawyers Association in 2000 and remains a member. She is also a member of the New York State Association of Criminal Defense and has participated in that organization since 2000. Locally, she has served within the Latino Lawyers Association of Queens County and holds the position of Third Vice President, a role she has occupied since 2000. Those affiliations reflect the professional networks she has worked within for more than two decades.
Her work blends the procedural demands of criminal defense with immigration-related questions that often intersect with the criminal justice system. She has represented clients in matters that require attention to both statutory deadlines and procedural safeguards. Cases range from removal defense and visa-related petitions to representation for individuals facing state-level criminal charges. In practice she employs client interviews, case preparation, and courtroom appearances as part of her daily work.
Over the years she has maintained a small, independent practice model. That structure has allowed her to manage cases directly, coordinate with other counsel when needed, and maintain relationships with community organizations. She continues to lead the Law Office of Mercedes S. Cano and to work on immigration and criminal defense matters in New York.
