Einhorn, Barbarito, Frost, Botwinick, Nunn & Musmanno P.C. celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month 2024 with an in-depth spotlight on Angelica M. Mercado, an attorney in the Firm’s family law practice group, who also serves on the board of the Hispanic Bar Association-New Jersey and was recently named a delegate ambassador to the National Hispanic Bar Association.
Drawing from her rich cultural heritage as a proud Puerto Rican, Angelica’s journey reflects her commitment to advocacy, community, and the importance of family. In this exclusive Q&A, we delve into her early years, her life as a practicing lawyer, her belief in the power of authenticity and mentorship, and her vision for the legal industry of the future.
EARLY YEARS
Q: Can you share a bit about your background and how it has influenced your choice to pursue a career in family law?
A: I am 100% a loud and proud Puerto Rican – Pura Latina! – who grew up in Newark’s North Ward, which for generations has been a heavily Latin community. My mother moved to New Jersey from the island at 18, and my father, one of nine siblings, grew up in Newark. I grew up in a both a massive family and a close-knit community, so I learned the value of community support and “networks” early on. I also saw firsthand the necessity of advocacy and access for those without those same systems and resources.
Q: You mentioned an unconventional educational path – can you tell us about that?
A: I attended a charter elementary and middle school that focused on helping students find better educational opportunities. They arranged for applications to and interviews with various private and magnet schools, and, thanks to full scholarships, I ended up at a boarding school, which was a significant culture shock. It opened my eyes to different perspectives and unimaginable opportunities while reinforcing my appreciation for my roots at home.
Q: How did your transition to boarding school impact your sense of independence?
A: I learned a lot about myself during that time, but it was instrumental in building my independence and shaping my ambition. I learned to embrace opportunities, walk into unfamiliar spaces with confidence, and advocate for myself. Those early experiences helped me become very resilient, regardless of the situation.
Q: Facing separation from your family support at 14 must have been tough. What kept you from quitting?
A: My competitive nature played a big role. I refused to let the challenges defeat me. While I spent time in survival mode, I was determined not to show weakness. I leaned on one particular cousin back home, who instilled confidence in me that I was capable of working through the social challenges of being a young Hispanic teenager in a sometimes unforgiving place and who encouraged me to stand my ground. That kind of support reinforced my belief that I could navigate difficult environments. I wasn’t going to let others’ opinions dictate my success or define my place in this new community.
Q: What was your family’s reaction when you decided to go to law school?
A: My parents were incredibly supportive. My father had always wanted to be a lawyer but never had the opportunity. When I applied to law school and got into Seton Hall, my father shared that he was living vicariously through me. It was a meaningful moment; I was not only pursuing my dreams, but also continuing a legacy of service in our family.
LAWYER LIFE
Q: Was there a specific moment that solidified your decision to focus on family law?
A: Absolutely. While clerking for the courts, I had the privilege of working with Judge John P. McDonald, J.S.C., who showed me how family law can profoundly impact people’s lives. He truly cared for those who came into his courtroom, often going above and beyond to assist them. That experience was transformative for me; it highlighted that, more often than not, people are facing bad situations rather than being “bad people.”
Q: Does your cultural background influence your work as a family law attorney?
A: My cultural background is deeply intertwined with my commitment to serving my community. I understand the struggles many individuals face, and I try to approach my work with empathy and compassion. I strive to be a voice for those who may not have one and to ensure that everyone feels heard and valued.
The way community functions in Latino cultures is often about building that extended family network, where trust and mutual support are paramount. This community bond can significantly impact personal and professional development, especially for first-generation individuals like us.
When I think about how that translates into my law practice, it reinforces the importance of accessibility. I want my clients to feel a sense of trust when they come to me. It’s about making sure that they know they’re valued, regardless of their financial situation.
Being a family lawyer is about building relationships and trust, both in the courtroom and beyond.
Q: Does that impact how you market your legal services?
A: Yes. I want to reach out to various communities, not just those who fit a specific socioeconomic profile. By participating in organizations like the Hispanic Bar Association, I’m not only advocating for underrepresented members of the Bar but also emphasizing that legal support should be accessible, inclusive and reflective of the diversity within our communities.
There’s also something to be said about communication styles. I strive to connect with clients in a way that feels natural to them. For many, legal jargon can feel intimidating. I aim to simplify complex concepts without losing the essence of what they mean. I want to be relatable and approachable, which I think stems from my own upbringing and experiences navigating different environments.
Overall, those community ties have shaped my values as a lawyer, making me more committed to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background, receive the legal representation they deserve.
Q: How do you balance being a supportive attorney while maintaining professional boundaries?
A: It’s a delicate balance. While I’m here to support my clients emotionally, I also recognize that my primary role is as their legal advisor. I listen to their concerns, but I ensure that our interactions stay within professional limits.
AUTHENTICITY
Q: As a Latina attorney practicing in 2024, do you still face stereotyping? How do you handle it?
A: Yes, there are still instances where I feel I’m being dismissed because of my age or background. It can be frustrating, especially when assumptions are made. However, I try to stand my ground and prove my capabilities through my work. Interestingly, I find that older partners are often more supportive than some younger attorneys, and I am lucky to have found mentors within my Firm and through the Bar who have empowered me in navigating these situations.
Q: How do you handle biases when you’re often in the minority in professional settings?
A: I’m acutely aware of being in the minority, which influences how I communicate. I often adjust my language and tone to ensure I’m heard and to make others comfortable. It’s a skill set that many minorities develop out of necessity.
There’s a constant awareness of how I might be perceived—like being labeled as “angry” or “abrasive.” This can lead to “tone-policing,” where I need to adjust my demeanor to avoid such stereotypes, and there is a delicate balance between how I manage perceptions of myself and how I stay true to myself. It’s an ongoing challenge, but one that I navigate consciously.
Q: How do you cope with the need to adjust your communication style in predominantly white spaces while still trying to be your authentic self?
A: I think coping can be tricky. I’m fortunate to work with a partner who appreciates and embraces my authentic self, which gives me some freedom. Even if I can’t fully express myself in certain settings, I know there’s a space where I can be myself.
I have been able to gradually step out of that box, especially as I build my reputation in the field. I’m optimistic that I won’t be confined to a narrow view of how an attorney should act or speak forever, especially as the industry starts to change.
MENTORSHIP
Q: How do your early experiences and your current practice shape your view on advocacy?
A: My time in boarding school taught me the importance of advocating for myself and others. The challenges I faced made me realize that many students of color encountered similar experiences. Now, I’m on the board of our BIPOC alumni group, working to create a supportive environment for those who may not feel empowered to speak up. I want to ensure that future students can lean on a community that understands their struggles.
Q: As a mentor, what do you see as your responsibilities towards younger lawyers and students?
A: Mentorship is something I genuinely enjoy, even if it’s often non-billable time. I feel a responsibility to share the benefits and tools I’ve received from senior attorneys. It’s crucial to guide and support future attorneys, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. I make it a point to engage with law students, helping them navigate their challenges and reminding them that their authentic selves are valuable assets.
Q: Can you speak to the reciprocal nature of mentorship?
A: Mentorship is a two-way street. While I’m there to guide younger attorneys and students, I also learn from them. Their fresh perspectives and experiences challenge me to think differently. For instance, when I help students practice their interviewing skills, their pushback makes me reconsider my own approaches. It’s a mutual growth experience that’s grounding and, above all, rewarding. Mentorship is a refreshing reminder that there is purpose in the profession beyond maximizing the quantifiable parameters of success.
LOOKING AHEAD
Q: What do you think about the current state of representation in the legal industry, especially regarding organizations like the Hispanic Bar Association?
A: Representation is a key issue, and while strides have been made, we’re not where we need to be. More first-generation lawyers are now in positions to uplift others. There’s a growing recognition in bar associations and firms that we need to use our experiences to increase access for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Language skills are also crucial – having Spanish speakers in law firms is essential for effective communication, especially in sensitive situations.
Q: How do you feel the conversation around diversity is evolving within the legal profession?
A: The conversation is shifting from merely having representation to focusing on the substantive roles that diverse individuals play once they’re in the door. It’s not just about filling positions but elevating those voices and skill sets. Awareness of issues like microaggressions is important, but we also need to focus on tangible changes in recruitment and retention policies.
Q: If you could offer advice to aspiring Latino/Latina lawyers, what would it be?
A: I would tell them that their authentic selves are invaluable assets, who they are will be a significant part of their journey to success. Embrace that identity, as it’s what will set them apart and help them navigate their careers.
To learn more about Angelica, please visit her bio page.