By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News
Daniela Mendez grew up in a socially disorganized neighborhood, rife with poverty and hunger and where young people frequently got into trouble.
“Some of these criminals came from good families, but for various reasons, young men and women ended up in the cycle of incarceration,” she said. “I decided to study criminal justice because I still believe in the presumption of innocence and offender rehabilitation.”
Mendez earned her undergrad degree in criminology from the University of South Florida, and her master’s degree in criminology and correctional leadership from the University of Central Florida, before heading to Western Michigan University-Cooley Law School in 2015.
“I want to make a difference in the criminal justice system and I know I will make the most influence as a lawyer,” she said. “At first, I wanted to become a criminologist, so I got a master’s degree in criminal justice to understand why crime occurs. I decided to study law after being influenced by Lyann Goudie, a criminal defense attorney — she’s a force in the courtroom, staying true to the constitutional rights of all people, to include defendants.”
Mendez took courses at Cooley campuses in Tampa Bay, Grand Rapids and Lansing, and competed in a National Mock Trial competition, served on the Board of Governors, and was a member of the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Law Student Division, Hispanic Organization of Legal Advocates (HOLA), Phi Delta Phi and Student Bar Association, to list a few.
“Cooley is awesome! Cooley has wonderful professors, dean, and an adjunct faculty with years of trial work experience,” she said. “The student body is very diverse and relatable. I’ve made unbreakable bonds with so many students and professors. It’s been a dream come true.”
A recipient in November of the Alumni Distinguished Student Award, the Leadership Award and the President's Award, Mendez graduated magna cum laude, in the top 10 percent of her class.
“Cooley provides a very flexible school schedule so I’ve been able to work part-time and still stay on track,” she said. “I also got to live in Lansing for eight months, which was a fulfilling and rewarding experience.”
During undergrad and law school Mendez worked part-time as a legal assistant for Stolberg & Townsend, P.A., and as a paralegal for Catania and Catania, P.A., both in Tampa, working with attorney Melissa Wiegner who dedicated her life to serving the disabled and the injured.
“Melissa passed away from cancer last year, so there’s no doubt I miss her greatly,” Mendez said. “Melissa gave me the flexibility I needed to attend law school and work part-time. I think of her often, I wouldn't be where I am if it wasn't for her.”
Mendez, who is currently studying for the Florida Bar Exam, spent all last year interning at the Cooley Innocence Project.
“My goal is to work for the Innocence Project, so being able to work at the Cooley Innocence Project was fantastic — it makes such a huge difference in wrongful convictions,” she said. “It’s rewarding because you’re able to help wrongfully convicted people have faith again. Innocence work is amazing, because although there is still a lot of work to do, you will be the fruit of your work, when your client is finally released.”
Mendez gives a tip of the hat to Cooley Innocence Project Director Marla Mitchell-Cichon.
“She is dedicated to the work of the wrongfully convicted, she is passionate about what she does. She is a great attorney, a great professor, but most importantly, a great friend,” Mendez said. “I’m fortunate to have met her — she is truly an inspiration to me and all of her students.”
Mendez’s goal is to work on criminal justice reform and litigation with the nonprofit Innocence Project, founded in 1992 by Peter Neufeld and Barry Scheck at Cardozo School of Law.
“I realize that may take a little while, so I look forward to working as a public defender,” she said.
Born in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, Mendez moved in infancy to Puerto Rico, where her parents immigrated in pursuit of the American Dream.
The family then moved to Tampa, Fla., where Mendez currently makes her home, with her husband, Joe, her high school sweetheart and No. 1 supporter.
Her close-knit family includes her twin brother Carlos, her older brother, Amaury, and her parents Netty and Leonardo.
“My parents are extremely supportive and hard-working,” she said. “My father always told me I could be anything I want to be in the U.S. and here I am living the American Dream thanks to them.”
She has volunteered her time at Best Buddies, the foster homes Everyday Blessings and Kid’s Place, and served the homeless at Dining With Dignity. In her leisure time, she enjoys watching spoken word poetry and stand-up comedies.
“I also enjoy reading the Bible, books on criminal justice reform and redemption,” she said. “My favorite TV show is ‘Judge Judy’ — she’s awesome.”
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