Yyyyyy x. yyyyyy                                            Maribel Mercado

Social Security Number:              Number

Position:                                            Immigration Judge

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES (KSAs)

 

FACTOR A:  Knowledge of immigration laws and procedures.

 

 

As demonstrated in my progressive career, I have continually excelled in applying my knowledge of immigration laws and procedures, with accountability for managing all aspects of immigration cases from initial client contact through case completion. 

 

Throughout the past seven years, I have continuously been relied upon by my colleagues and other Judge Advocate Generals to lend my judicial expertise on various immigration matters.  I am considered an expert in the area and sought out by legal professionals for assistance on complex legal issues, cases, processes and procedures.

 

In my prior position as an Attorney at Luis A. Gonzalez, Esq., I maintained full accountability for interviewing clients and presenting their applications for benefits conferred under the INA to INS (now USCIS) and Immigration Courts.  I proficiently advised clients on their immigration status and their benefits and rights under the INA.  I also conducted comprehensive research and analysis of immigration cases, laws, regulations and statutes to effectively litigate cases before the Immigration Courts in Virginia and Baltimore.

 

In addition, I served as a District Adjudication Officer at the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) in Arlington, Virginia.  I acquired valuable knowledge and experience on all aspects of immigration laws, practices and procedures.  I conducted inquiries, gathered evidence and researched all the information surrounding the adjudication of applications presented before the Washington District Office requesting benefits under the INA.  In addition, I successfully represented INS as a Congressional Liaison in charge of all requests forwarded by the offices of Representative Virgil Goode and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton.

 

Yyyyyy x. yyyyyy                                       Maribel Mercado

Social Security Number:              Number

Position:                                            Position               

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES (KSAs)

 

FACTOR B:  Substantial litigation experience, preferably in a high volume context.

 

As demonstrated in the accompanying resume, I offer a solid background in litigation, both as an advocate and as an adjudicator.  I have extensive experience in orally advocating on behalf of my clients, as well as preparing comprehensive written briefs and motions to support my cases.

 

In several cases, I have been the Article 32 Investigating Officer.  As such, I have maintained full accountability for evaluating and trying cases, similar to a judge or adjudicator.  I conducted comprehensive review and analysis of non-testimonial evidence and examined witnesses.  I took testimony under oath and commented on evidentiary issues.  Upon completion, I wrote a detailed report to the commander who directed the investigation with recommended actions from administrative actions to a courts-martial.

 

I also have solid experience as a litigation attorney.  I have litigated before the courts in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Immigration Court and Navy and Marine Corps Courts.  Serving as a US Navy Judge Advocate General, I worked as a Defense Counsel/Legal Assistance Attorney/Claims Officer.  Contributing my litigation skills, I served the Navy's third largest concentration of commands and personnel by providing defense, legal assistance and claims processing for multiple states.  I worked as a defense and legal assistance attorney to active duty personnel, dependents and retirees. I provided a multitude of legal services in a variety of fields including military law, personnel law, administrative law, litigation and jurisdiction, demonstrating exceptional multitasking and prioritizing abilities.  In fact, I was the only US Navy JAG Officer to present and win a case against the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico on behalf of an active duty military member under the US NAVY Extended Legal Assistance Program.

 

As an Attorney for Luis A. Gonzalez, I effectively litigated numerous cases on behalf of my clients before the Immigration Courts in Virginia and Baltimore.  I oversaw all aspects of these cases, from initial client intake interviews through trial and case completion. 

 

In addition, I volunteered for the South Texas Pro Bono Asylum Representation Project in Harlingen Texas during the summer of 1995, representing individuals before the Immigration Court.

Yyyyyy x. yyyyyy                                            Maribel Mercado

Social Security Number:              Number

Position:                                            Position               

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES (KSAs)

FACTOR C:  Experience handling complex legal issues.

 

 

Throughout my progressive career, I have repeatedly demonstrated my talent to handle complex legal issues.  My record shows repeated success in negotiating on behalf of clients with third parties and preparing legal documents, resulting in progressive increased responsibilities.  I offer sharp critical thinking and problem solving skills and effectively apply these skills toward supporting clients by designing, developing and implementing comprehensive case strategies. 

 

As a Staff Judge Advocate for the US Navy Judge Advocate General, I maintained up to date on both American and Japanese laws, regulations and statutes in order to proficiently handle complex legal issues.  I coordinated all command legal affairs, including military justices, foreign criminal matters, administrative law, Freedom of Information/Privacy Act, Ethics, Equal Opportunity, Personnel Law, and Status of Forces Agreement and all legal matters that arise at a military installation overseas.  Demonstrating critical thinking and problem solving skills, I conducted comprehensive research and analysis of Japanese laws as the US Military Trial Liaison in Japanese Courts, with strong focus on ensuring strict adherence to due process in accordance with established Japanese law.

 

Serving as the Defense Counsel/Legal Assistance Attorney/Claims Officer at the Naval Legal Service Office, I successfully applied my abilities in handling complex legal issues.  I was the only US Navy JAG Officer to present and win a case against the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico on behalf of an active duty military member under the US NAVY Extended Legal Assistance Program.

 

As an Attorney for Luis A. Gonzalez, Esquire, I also thoroughly researched cases, statutes, rules and regulations to handle complex legal issues for clients.  I also effectively litigated numerous complex legal cases before the Immigration Courts.

 

 

Yyyyyy x. yyyyyy                                            Maribel Mercado

Social Security Number:              Number

Position:                                            Position               

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES (KSAs)

FACTOR D:  Experience conducting administrative hearings.

 

 

I have continually conducted administrative hearings throughout my legal career, acquiring extensive knowledge and experience on administrative processes, procedures and practices.

 

I have served as the Article 32 Investigating Officer in several cases.  I have proficiently evaluated and tried cases, similar to a judge or adjudicator.  I conducted comprehensive review and analysis of non-testimonial evidence and examined witnesses.  I took testimony under oath and commented on evidentiary issues.  Upon completion, I wrote a detailed report to the commander who directed the investigation with recommended actions from administrative actions to a courts-martial.

 

Due to my solid knowledge and experience in conducting administrative hearings, I have worked as a Civil Law Instructor as a US Navy Judge Advocate General.  I instructed Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard officer and enlisted personnel throughout the Atlantic Fleet on the fundamental principles of military justice, administrative law and procedure.  I also taught Grievances, Administrative Separations, Constitutional Freedoms, FOIA/Privacy Act, Administrative Investigations, Standards of Conduct, and other administrative law topics.

 

As a District Adjudications Officer at the Immigration and Naturalization Service in Arlington, Virginia, I effectively applied my knowledge and experience of administrative hearing practices and procedures.  I conducted inquiries, gathered evidence and researched all the information surrounding the adjudication of applications presented before the Washington District Office requesting benefits under the INA. I also represented INS as a Congressional Liaison in charge of all requests forwarded by the offices of Representative Virgil Goode and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton.

 

Yyyyyy x. yyyyyy                                            Maribel Mercado

Social Security Number:              Number

Position:                                            Position               

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES (KSAs)

 

FACTOR E:  Knowledge of judicial practices and procedures.

 

 

I have acquired a comprehensive knowledge of judicial practices and procedures throughout my career, including law school and over 10 years of professional experience. 

 

During the past seven years, I have been relied upon by my colleagues and other Judge Advocate Generals to lend my judicial expertise on various immigration matters.  I am considered an expert in the area and sought out by legal professionals for assistance on complex legal issues, cases, processes and procedures.

 

As a Civil Law Instructor at the Naval Justice School for the US Navy Judge Advocate General, I contributed my strong knowledge of judicial practices and procedures to educate students on the fundamental principles of military justice, administrative law and procedure.  I effectively trained Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard officers and enlisted personnel throughout the Atlantic Fleet on Grievances, Administrative Separations, Constitutional Freedoms, FOIA/Privacy Act, Administrative Investigations, Standards of Conduct, and other administrative law topics.

 

Serving as an Attorney at Luis A. Gonzalez, Esquire, I successfully handled all aspects of cases from inception through completion, gaining a strong knowledge of judicial practices and procedures.  I met with clients, managed initial interviews and continuously maintained client contact throughout cases.  Applying critical thinking and analytical skills, I drafted legal correspondences and documentation.  I also represented individuals for immigration matters in state courts, learning the state judicial process.