About Shannon Kathleen
Shannon Kathleen Smyth-Mendoza is an attorney based in San Jose, California, bringing over two decades of legal expertise to her practice. An active member of the State Bar of California since 1997, she has established a robust career in various legal roles. Ms. Smyth-Mendoza earned her Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University School of Law in 1996, a prestigious institution known for its commitment to legal education and community service. Her academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government, complemented by a Minor in Italian, from California State University - San Jose State University. In 2022, Ms.
Smyth-Mendoza took on the role of Deputy General Counsel at the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority. This position allows her to leverage her extensive legal background to address complex transportation issues in the region. Prior to this role, she served as Senior Assistant Counsel at the same organization from March 2019 to 2022. During this time, she focused on legal matters related to public transportation, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. Before her tenure at the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, Ms. Smyth-Mendoza was Deputy County Counsel for the County of Santa Clara from 2016 to 2019.
In this capacity, she represented the county in various legal proceedings, providing counsel on a range of governmental issues. Her earlier experience includes serving as a Deputy City Attorney from 2001 to 2008. She handled municipal law matters, and as a Deputy District Attorney in the Family Support Division for the County of San Mateo from 1998 to 2001. These roles gave her a diverse skill set and a understanding of both civil and criminal law. In addition to her legal practice, Ms. Smyth-Mendoza has been a professor at Lincoln Law School of San Jose since 2020.
Her commitment to legal education reflects her dedication to nurturing the next generation of legal professionals. Teaching allows her to share her extensive knowledge and experience with students, preparing them for their future careers in law. Fluent in English, Italian, and Spanish, Ms. Smyth-Mendoza is well-equipped to communicate effectively with clients. This proficiency enhances her ability to serve clients from various backgrounds, ensuring that language barriers do not hinder access to quality legal representation. Her multifaceted career and commitment to community service underscore her dedication to the legal profession and the communities she serves.
