{"id":148522,"date":"2026-03-30T09:04:01","date_gmt":"2026-03-30T17:04:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/2026\/03\/30\/marcela-mercado-finding-her-way-without-a-map\/"},"modified":"2026-03-30T09:04:01","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T17:04:01","slug":"marcela-mercado-finding-her-way-without-a-map","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/2026\/03\/30\/marcela-mercado-finding-her-way-without-a-map\/","title":{"rendered":"Marcela Mercado: Finding Her Way Without a Map"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"196927\" class=\"elementor elementor-196927\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-2760c324 elementor-section-height-min-height elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-items-middle\" data-id=\"2760c324\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-background-overlay\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ec28cb4\" data-id=\"2ec28cb4\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-3989cfb8 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"3989cfb8\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-18bf2de8\" data-id=\"18bf2de8\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-16edde47 elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-title elementor-page-title elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"16edde47\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-title.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Marcela Mercado: Finding Her Way Without a Map<\/h1>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5814687 elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-post-info\" data-id=\"5814687\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"post-info.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<ul class=\"elementor-inline-items elementor-icon-list-items elementor-post-info\">\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item elementor-repeater-item-4402b1a elementor-inline-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/author\/susan-cushing\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text elementor-post-info__item elementor-post-info__item--type-author\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-post-info__item-prefix\">By<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSusan Cushing\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2df092bd elementor-share-buttons--view-icon elementor-share-buttons--skin-flat elementor-share-buttons--shape-circle elementor-share-buttons--align-center elementor-share-buttons--color-custom elementor-grid-0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-global elementor-global-122649 elementor-widget-share-buttons\" data-id=\"2df092bd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"share-buttons.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<div class=\"elementor-grid\">\n<div class=\"elementor-grid-item\">\n<div class=\"elementor-share-btn elementor-share-btn_facebook\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Share on facebook\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-share-btn__icon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"fab fa-facebook\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-grid-item\">\n<div class=\"elementor-share-btn elementor-share-btn_twitter\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Share on twitter\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-share-btn__icon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"fab fa-twitter\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-grid-item\">\n<div class=\"elementor-share-btn elementor-share-btn_linkedin\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Share on linkedin\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-share-btn__icon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"fab fa-linkedin\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-grid-item\">\n<div class=\"elementor-share-btn elementor-share-btn_pinterest\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Share on pinterest\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-share-btn__icon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"fab fa-pinterest\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-grid-item\">\n<div class=\"elementor-share-btn elementor-share-btn_email\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Share on email\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-share-btn__icon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i class=\"fas fa-envelope\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1b8b5837 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1b8b5837\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p><strong>\u201c<\/strong>I\u00a0didn\u2019t grow up knowing lawyers,\u201d attorney Marcela Mercado says. \u201cI grew up knowing work.\u201d A strong willed, determined, and gifted student of life, Mercado was determined to create a future that would not be determined by her past or any challenges she and her family have weathered. Today she is not only a highly respected and successful personal injury attorney in California, she is also the co-founder of the law firm Mercado Kramer.<\/p>\n<p>When Mercado immigrated to the United States from Mazatl\u00e1n, Sinaloa, Mexico at the age of 6, she didn\u2019t arrive with a roadmap. Neither of her parents attended college. There was no attorney in the family, no mentor explaining LSATs or clerkships, no quiet assurance that law was an attainable destination. What she did bring with her\u2014alongside her mother\u2014was determination, adaptability, and a willingness to work hard long before she understood where that work might lead.<\/p>\n<p>That distinction\u2014between inherited professional knowledge and self-forged ambition\u2014lies at the heart of Mercado\u2019s journey. Flourishing as a partner at Mercado Kramer, a celebrated California personal injury firm, she\u2019s one of the anchors of a team recognized for taking on difficult cases and delivering results others might shy away from. But her path to law was not linear, obvious, or gently guided. It was earned.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-49f20566 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"49f20566\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-background-overlay\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-e99486b\" data-id=\"e99486b\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-369149e3 elementor-view-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon\" data-id=\"369149e3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<div class=\"elementor-icon-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"elementor-icon\">\n\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-quote-left\"><\/i>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2f3e4e48 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2f3e4e48\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">I\u00a0didn\u2019t grow up knowing lawyers. I grew up knowing work.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-550cc23b elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"550cc23b\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-2d99242a\" data-id=\"2d99242a\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e5138d4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"e5138d4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_0013-683x1024.jpg?resize=683%2C1024&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-196941\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-7e5cf43a\" data-id=\"7e5cf43a\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ec9cb25 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ec9cb25\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">An Immigrant Childhood, Grounded in Responsibility<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-47ea57c4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"47ea57c4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>Mercado\u2019s earliest years in the U.S. were defined by transition. She arrived speaking Spanish, navigating a new culture, and watching her mother shoulder the immense responsibility of starting over. From a young age, Mercado understood that stability wasn\u2019t guaranteed. It was difficult, built one shift at a time.<\/p>\n<p>She began working in restaurants early, a necessity rather than a r\u00e9sum\u00e9 builder. Those years shaped her understanding of people in ways no textbook ever could.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhen you work in restaurants, you see people at their best and their worst,\u201d she reflects. \u201cYou learn how to read a room. You learn patience. You learn how to keep going even when you\u2019re tired. All that carries over into the practice of law.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>For Mercado, work wasn\u2019t simply a means to an end. It was survival, education, and preparation wrapped into one.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-204141f7 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"204141f7\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-1b0ec4d4\" data-id=\"1b0ec4d4\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3c6e3752 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3c6e3752\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">College Without a Safety Net<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7b72fd4e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7b72fd4e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>Mercado attended San Jos\u00e9 State University while working full-time, balancing academic expectations with the practical realities of supporting herself. There was no pause button, no luxury of singular focus. Every step forward required careful planning and persistence.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI didn\u2019t have the option to fail,\u201d she says simply. \u201cI had to make it work.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>That mindset followed her to Pepperdine University School of Law, where she continued to push herself\u2014not only earning her Juris Doctor, but also completing a master\u2019s degree in alternative dispute resolution. While many law students gravitate toward litigation or transactional tracks, Mercado was already thinking about problem-solving in broader terms.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI was drawn to ADR because I\u2019ve always believed that the best outcome isn\u2019t always the loudest one,\u201d she explains. \u201cSometimes justice looks like resolution, not destruction.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-11b83f2d\" data-id=\"11b83f2d\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3ad11dad elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"3ad11dad\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_9969-768x1024.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-196937\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-39efcc94 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"39efcc94\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-2f3d8077\" data-id=\"2f3d8077\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-46b9596 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"46b9596\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Learning the System From the Inside<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7c56145a elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"7c56145a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1008\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_9611-1024x1008.jpg?resize=1024%2C1008&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-196948\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\">  Mercado presenting at a local radio station<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2995247f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2995247f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>During law school, Mercado worked for the Los Angeles County District Attorney\u2019s Office, where she gained firsthand exposure to the machinery of the justice system. The experience was intense, fast-paced, and deeply formative.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt teaches you discipline,\u201d she says. \u201cIt teaches you how to prepare, how to think on your feet, and how to stand behind your decisions.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>After law school, Mercado began working in personal injury, drawn to the chance to fight for the little guy. She worked on multimillion-dollar cases early in her career, honing her litigation skills and developing a reputation for thoroughness and resolve. She also had a natural talent for communicating with clients. As her r\u00e9sum\u00e9 grew, Mercado never lost sight of the communities she came from\u2014immigrants, working families, Spanish-speaking people who often felt overwhelmed by the legal process.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI know what it feels like to be intimidated by systems that aren\u2019t built for you,\u201d she says. \u201cThat awareness never leaves you.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-2bb331c1 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"2bb331c1\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3c99397d\" data-id=\"3c99397d\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1865ce91 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"1865ce91\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"219\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/attorney-at-law-magazine-MARCELA-1024x219.png?resize=1024%2C219&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-196956\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-27ed6054 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"27ed6054\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4b0834ef\" data-id=\"4b0834ef\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2aaf0edd elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2aaf0edd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Building Mercado Kramer<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3c3cdf6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3c3cdf6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>Opening Mercado Kramer was both a professional milestone and a personal leap. Entrepreneurship carries risk under any circumstances, but for first-generation attorneys\u2014particularly women and immigrants\u2014it often requires an extra measure of courage.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere\u2019s no family playbook for starting a firm,\u201d Mercado notes. \u201cYou\u2019re figuring it out as you go.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Her approach to personal injury law quickly distinguished the firm. Mercado finds solutions to obstacles. A client had to leave the United States unexpectedly in the middle of his case, and Mercado got creative to make sure he could connect to Zoom from a remote part of Guatemala. Mercado Kramer trains staff to support low-literacy clients navigating health care and medical bills.<\/p>\n<p>Mercado developed a reputation for taking on cases others declined\u2014complex matters, high-risk claims, situations where clients had been told \u201cno\u201d one too many times, told their injuries were too complicated, liability too uncertain, or damages too difficult to prove.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t believe in writing people off,\u201d she says. \u201cJust because a case is difficult doesn\u2019t mean it isn\u2019t worthy. In fact, that\u2019s often where the most meaningful advocacy happens.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>That philosophy has paid off. Mercado has successfully handled hundreds of cases across California, securing significant settlements and outcomes for clients who often felt overlooked or unheard.<\/p>\n<p>Communication, Mercado emphasizes, is not optional\u2014it is foundational. Too many prospective clients, she notes, call her firm after feeling ignored or left in the dark elsewhere.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou don\u2019t need an attorney who disappears once the file is opened,\u201d she says. \u201cYou need someone who answers the phone, explains what\u2019s happening, and stands with you through the entire process.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5320887 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"5320887\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"654\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_9610-1024x654.jpg?resize=1024%2C654&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-196947\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\">  Mercado with her law partner, Amanda Gladin-Kramer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2df658eb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2df658eb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>That client-centered approach reflects Mercado\u2019s own experiences navigating systems that were often indifferent or opaque. As a first-generation attorney, she understands what it means to feel overwhelmed by institutions that seem designed for someone else.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI never forget what it\u2019s like to be on the other side of the desk,\u201d she says. \u201cThat perspective shapes everything we do.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Finding the right partner was imperative to being able to operate the kind of law firm she so fully believes in. She found that person in her partner Amanda Gladin-Kramer.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAmanda and I both wanted our own practice,\u201d she says. \u201cSo, in 2023, we took the leap and started our firm. Our partnership is one of those rare relationships that are truly perfect. It\u2019s like I\u2019m the ying to her yang. That\u2019s extremely rare. There are no egos between the two of us, we will do whatever it takes to do what\u2019s best for our clients. We don\u2019t let decisions linger, we put our heads together and come up with a solution that makes the most sense. I still feel that it\u2019s amazing that I was fortunate enough to find the ideal partner that I can work with. I think we really complement one another.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-b1372ad elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"b1372ad\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-40f9e6b\" data-id=\"40f9e6b\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6ab71b3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6ab71b3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Advocacy With Intention<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a163211 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"a163211\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_4006-1024x768.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-196942\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\">  Mercado and law firm administrator Merlin Pacheco at a Girls Inc. fundraiser in 2023. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-77afe57 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"77afe57\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>The firm\u2019s commitment to fighting difficult cases is not about bravado\u2014it\u2019s about accountability. Mercado believes that strong advocacy sends a message not just to insurers, but to clients who may have been conditioned to accept less than they deserve.<\/p>\n<p>Unlike attorneys who grew up immersed in legal culture, Mercado had to decode the profession on her own\u2014learning norms, expectations, and unspoken rules through observation and experience.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI didn\u2019t always know how things were \u2018supposed\u2019 to work,\u201d she admits. \u201cBut that also meant I wasn\u2019t afraid to question them.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>That outsider-insider perspective has become one of her strengths. She brings creativity to negotiation, empathy to client relationships, and pragmatism to litigation strategy\u2014hallmarks of her ADR training and lived experience.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhen you show up prepared, persistent, and unafraid, it changes the dynamic,\u201d she says. \u201cAnd that\u2019s when real resolution becomes possible.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>That same resolve\u2014born from a life without shortcuts\u2014shapes the philosophy at Mercado Kramer. The firm was built on a simple but uncompromising premise: work hard, fight the tough cases, and never lose sight of the human being behind the file.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cInsurance companies process millions of claims every year,\u201d Mercado says. \u201cThey\u2019re designed to move quickly, minimize payouts, and treat cases like numbers. Our job is to make sure our clients are never reduced to that.\u201d Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, Mercado and her team take time to understand each client\u2019s story\u2014how an injury has disrupted not just their physical health, but their financial stability, family dynamics, and sense of security.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t see cases in isolation,\u201d she says. \u201cI see how outcomes affect families, futures, and stability. When someone is injured, the stress compounds quickly,\u201d she says. \u201cMedical bills pile up. Work becomes uncertain. Families worry about the future. Our role is to shoulder as much of that burden as possible so clients can focus on healing.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-46b0b70 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"46b0b70\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-7d54411\" data-id=\"7d54411\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-36316c1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"36316c1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_9602-768x1024.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-196946\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\">  Mercado with her mother, Marcela Gonzalez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-09bc3c8\" data-id=\"09bc3c8\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e862ada elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e862ada\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Language<br \/>\nas Advocacy<\/p>\n<\/h2><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-42450cb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"42450cb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>Fluent in Spanish and deeply connected to Latino communities, Mercado sees language not just as a skill\u2014but as an ethical responsibility.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhen clients can tell their story in their own words, everything changes,\u201d she explains. \u201cThey\u2019re not just facts in a file. They\u2019re people. And when they can converse with you, in their own native language, it offers greater comfort and assurance that they are being clearly understood and that you, in turn, understand them.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Her bilingual practice has allowed her to bridge gaps that frequently disadvantage immigrant clients, particularly in personal injury cases where misunderstanding and miscommunication can derail claims before they begin.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor many clients, this is the first time they feel truly represented,\u201d Mercado says. \u201cThat trust matters.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-1a7f5ab elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"1a7f5ab\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-112e7e0\" data-id=\"112e7e0\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-63cdbad elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"63cdbad\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Redefining Success<\/p>\n<\/h2><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-73d3b80 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"73d3b80\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>For Mercado, success is not measured solely in verdicts or revenue. It\u2019s measured in sustainability, integrity, and impact.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI want my clients to feel respected,\u201d she says. \u201cI want my team to feel supported. And I want the firm to reflect the values that got me here.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Those values\u2014hard work, resilience, fairness\u2014were forged long before law school. They were born in kitchens and classrooms, in late nights and early mornings, in the quiet resolve of a child who learned early that progress is earned.<\/p>\n<p>As a first-generation attorney, Mercado is acutely aware of the visibility her role provides. She doesn\u2019t take that lightly.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf someone sees my story and thinks, \u2018Maybe I can do that too,\u2019 then it\u2019s worth sharing,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<p>Today, she stands not only as a successful personal injury attorney, but as proof that the legal profession is enriched\u2014not diminished\u2014when its doors open to those who arrive without legacy, but with vision.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI didn\u2019t have a guide,\u201d Mercado reflects. \u201cSo now, I try to be one.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-dde4539\" data-id=\"dde4539\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1ffd876 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"1ffd876\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-caption\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"767\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_9592-767x1024.jpg?resize=767%2C1024&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-196943\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-497d4002 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"497d4002\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-6ac37f13\" data-id=\"6ac37f13\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4dbae51e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4dbae51e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">At a Glance<br \/>\n<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-574c3f40 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"574c3f40\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p class=\"p1\">Mercado Kramer<br \/>450 Lincoln Ave, Ste 102<br \/>Salinas, CA 93901<br \/>(888) 311-4050<br \/><span><a href=\"http:\/\/mercadokramer.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">mercadokramer.com<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-28175c5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"28175c5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>San Jose Office<br \/>2033 Gateway Pl, <br \/>San Jose, CA 95110<br \/>(888) 311-4050<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-54d9af28 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"54d9af28\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Practice Areas<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-205bda98 elementor-align-left elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"205bda98\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Personal Injury<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Motor Vehicle Accidents <\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Catastrophic Injuries<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Premises Liability<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Wrongful Death<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1ae83845 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1ae83845\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Education<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-25df076f elementor-align-left elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"25df076f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Juris Doctor, Pepperdine University School of Law, 2017<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Master\u2019s Degree, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Pepperdine University School of Law, 2017<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Bachelor\u2019s Degree, Communications, San Jos\u00e9 State University, 2012<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-efa94e8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"efa94e8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">\nProfessional Memberships<br \/>\n<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-60209ca elementor-align-left elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"60209ca\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Hispanic National Bar Association<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">State Bar of California<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Consumer Attorneys of California<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7a7cd1a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7a7cd1a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">hobbies<br \/>\n<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f78275b elementor-align-left elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"f78275b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Spending Time With Family<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Community Involvement<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Exploring California\u2019s Coast<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">Cooking &amp; Food Culture<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-574efdd elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"574efdd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Favorite Quote<\/p>\n<\/h3><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c20dd7b elementor-align-left elementor-icon-list--layout-traditional elementor-list-item-link-full_width elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-list\" data-id=\"c20dd7b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-list.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<ul class=\"elementor-icon-list-items\">\n<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text\">A la vida al toro por los cuernos.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-6355f852 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"6355f852\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings='\"background_background\":\"classic\"'>\n<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-20b7d1a5\" data-id=\"20b7d1a5\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-63ce2570 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"63ce2570\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Read More Stories<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c92398f elementor-widget elementor-widget-jnews_hero_9_elementor\" data-id=\"c92398f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"jnews_hero_9_elementor.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<div class=\"jeg_heroblock jeg_heroblock_9 jeg_col_3o3 jeg_hero_style_1 jnews_module_196927_12_69d936f70ef96   tiny-slider\" data-margin=\"0\" data-autoplay=\"yes\" data-delay=\"3000\">\n<div class=\"jeg_hero_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"jeg_heroblock_wrapper\">\n<article class=\"jeg_post jeg_hero_item_1 format-standard\">\n<div class=\"jeg_block_container\">\n<p>                            <span class=\"jeg_postformat_icon\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"jeg_thumb\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-feature\/marcela-mercado\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"thumbnail-container thumbnail-background\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Marcela-Cover-750x500.jpg\">\n<div class=\"lazyloaded\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Marcela-Cover-750x500.jpg\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_postblock_content\">\n<div class=\"jeg_post_category\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-feature\" class=\"category-attorney-feature\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Attorney Feature<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_info\">\n<h2 class=\"jeg_post_title\">\n                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-feature\/marcela-mercado\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Marcela Mercado: Finding Her Way Without a Map<\/a><br \/>\n                                    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_meta\">\n<div class=\"jeg_meta_date\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-feature\/marcela-mercado\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><i class=\"fa fa-clock-o\"><\/i> March 30, 2026<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"jeg_post jeg_hero_item_2 format-standard\">\n<div class=\"jeg_block_container\">\n<p>                            <span class=\"jeg_postformat_icon\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"jeg_thumb\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\/steven-kunysz\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"thumbnail-container thumbnail-background\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Steven1-1-750x600.jpg\">\n<div class=\"lazyloaded\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Steven1-1-750x600.jpg\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_postblock_content\">\n<div class=\"jeg_post_category\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\" class=\"category-attorney-interview\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Attorney Q&amp;A<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_info\">\n<h2 class=\"jeg_post_title\">\n                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\/steven-kunysz\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Steven Kunysz: A Natural Progression<\/a><br \/>\n                                    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_meta\">\n<div class=\"jeg_meta_date\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\/steven-kunysz\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><i class=\"fa fa-clock-o\"><\/i> March 30, 2026<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_heroblock_wrapper\">\n<article class=\"jeg_post jeg_hero_item_1 format-standard\">\n<div class=\"jeg_block_container\">\n<p>                            <span class=\"jeg_postformat_icon\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"jeg_thumb\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\/sherrie-boutwell\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"thumbnail-container thumbnail-background\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Boutwell-Sherrie-750x500.jpg\">\n<div class=\"lazyloaded\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Boutwell-Sherrie-750x500.jpg\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_postblock_content\">\n<div class=\"jeg_post_category\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\" class=\"category-attorney-interview\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Attorney Q&amp;A<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_info\">\n<h2 class=\"jeg_post_title\">\n                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\/sherrie-boutwell\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Sherrie Boutwell: An ERISA Practice Before Its Time<\/a><br \/>\n                                    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_meta\">\n<div class=\"jeg_meta_date\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\/sherrie-boutwell\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><i class=\"fa fa-clock-o\"><\/i> March 30, 2026<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"jeg_post jeg_hero_item_2 format-standard\">\n<div class=\"jeg_block_container\">\n<p>                            <span class=\"jeg_postformat_icon\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"jeg_thumb\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\/somita-basu-zakiya-j-norton\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"thumbnail-container thumbnail-background\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Somita-Basu-Zakiya-Norton-750x500.jpg\">\n<div class=\"lazyloaded\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Somita-Basu-Zakiya-Norton-750x500.jpg\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_postblock_content\">\n<div class=\"jeg_post_category\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\" class=\"category-attorney-interview\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Attorney Q&amp;A<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_info\">\n<h2 class=\"jeg_post_title\">\n                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\/somita-basu-zakiya-j-norton\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Somita Basu &amp; Zakiya J. Norton: A Combined Perseverance<\/a><br \/>\n                                    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_meta\">\n<div class=\"jeg_meta_date\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-interview\/somita-basu-zakiya-j-norton\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><i class=\"fa fa-clock-o\"><\/i> March 30, 2026<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_heroblock_wrapper\">\n<article class=\"jeg_post jeg_hero_item_1 format-standard\">\n<div class=\"jeg_block_container\">\n<p>                            <span class=\"jeg_postformat_icon\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"jeg_thumb\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-feature\/darbie-tamsett\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"thumbnail-container thumbnail-background\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Darbie-Tamsett-750x500.jpg\">\n<div class=\"lazyloaded\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Darbie-Tamsett-750x500.jpg\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_postblock_content\">\n<div class=\"jeg_post_category\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-feature\" class=\"category-attorney-feature\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Attorney Feature<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_info\">\n<h2 class=\"jeg_post_title\">\n                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-feature\/darbie-tamsett\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Darbie Tamsett: Building Legacies<\/a><br \/>\n                                    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_meta\">\n<div class=\"jeg_meta_date\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-feature\/darbie-tamsett\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><i class=\"fa fa-clock-o\"><\/i> March 30, 2026<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"jeg_post jeg_hero_item_2 format-standard\">\n<div class=\"jeg_block_container\">\n<p>                            <span class=\"jeg_postformat_icon\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"jeg_thumb\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-feature\/ray-thomas\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"thumbnail-container thumbnail-background\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ray-Thomas-750x500.jpg\">\n<div class=\"lazyloaded\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ray-Thomas-750x500.jpg\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_postblock_content\">\n<div class=\"jeg_post_category\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-feature\" class=\"category-attorney-feature\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Attorney Feature<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_info\">\n<h2 class=\"jeg_post_title\">\n                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-feature\/ray-thomas\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ray Thomas: To Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Expected<\/a><br \/>\n                                    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_meta\">\n<div class=\"jeg_meta_date\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-feature\/ray-thomas\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><i class=\"fa fa-clock-o\"><\/i> March 27, 2026<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_heroblock_wrapper\">\n<article class=\"jeg_post jeg_hero_item_1 format-standard\">\n<div class=\"jeg_block_container\">\n<p>                            <span class=\"jeg_postformat_icon\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"jeg_thumb\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/law-firm-feature\/cobb-gonzalez-focused-on-growth-expansion\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"thumbnail-container thumbnail-background\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Opener-750x500.jpg\">\n<div class=\"lazyloaded\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Opener-750x500.jpg\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_postblock_content\">\n<div class=\"jeg_post_category\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/law-firm-feature\" class=\"category-law-firm-feature\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Law Firm Feature<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_info\">\n<h2 class=\"jeg_post_title\">\n                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/law-firm-feature\/cobb-gonzalez-focused-on-growth-expansion\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Cobb &amp; Gonzalez: Focused on Growth &amp; Expansion<\/a><br \/>\n                                    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_meta\">\n<div class=\"jeg_meta_date\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/law-firm-feature\/cobb-gonzalez-focused-on-growth-expansion\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><i class=\"fa fa-clock-o\"><\/i> March 24, 2026<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"jeg_post jeg_hero_item_2 format-standard\">\n<div class=\"jeg_block_container\">\n<p>                            <span class=\"jeg_postformat_icon\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"jeg_thumb\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/vendor-interview\/steven-gard\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"thumbnail-container thumbnail-background\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Steven-Guard-750x500.jpg\">\n<div class=\"lazyloaded\" data-src=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Steven-Guard-750x500.jpg\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_postblock_content\">\n<div class=\"jeg_post_category\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/vendor-interview\" class=\"category-vendor-interview\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Vendor Interview<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_info\">\n<h2 class=\"jeg_post_title\">\n                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/vendor-interview\/steven-gard\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Steven Gard: From Trial Lawyer to Trusted Neutral<\/a><br \/>\n                                    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"jeg_post_meta\">\n<div class=\"jeg_meta_date\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/vendor-interview\/steven-gard\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><i class=\"fa fa-clock-o\"><\/i> March 24, 2026<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<p>The post <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/stories\/attorney-feature\/marcela-mercado\" target=\"_blank\">Marcela Mercado: Finding Her Way Without a Map<\/a> appeared first on <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Attorney at Law Magazine<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"gdpr_lightbox-hide\" role=\"complementary\" aria-label=\"GDPR Settings Screen\">\n<div class=\"moove-gdpr-modal-content moove-clearfix logo-position-left moove_gdpr_modal_theme_v1\">\n<div class=\"moove-gdpr-modal-left-content\">\n<div class=\"moove-gdpr-company-logo-holder\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/black%400.5x.png?resize=172%2C63&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"172\" height=\"63\" class=\"img-responsive\" title=\"\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"moove-gdpr-modal-right-content\">\n<div class=\"main-modal-content\">\n<div class=\"moove-gdpr-tab-content\">\n<div class=\"moove-gdpr-tab-main\">Privacy Overview<\/p>\n<div class=\"moove-gdpr-tab-main-content\">\n<p>This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Read our <a href=\"https:\/\/attorneyatlawmagazine.com\/privacy-policy\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Marcela Mercado: Finding Her Way Without a Map By Susan Cushing \u201cI\u00a0didn\u2019t grow up knowing lawyers,\u201d attorney Marcela Mercado says. \u201cI grew up knowing work.\u201d A strong willed, determined, and gifted student of life, Mercado was determined to create a future that would not be determined by her past or any challenges she and her [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-148522","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-legal_matters"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/148522","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=148522"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/148522\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=148522"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=148522"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/xira.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=148522"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}