Hi! Welcome to my page. My name is Mercedes. As a Latin-American citizen of the United States, I personally know the complexity and emotional toll of migrating to a new country. Understanding your options well is key when it comes to building the life you dream of.

I came to the United States in 2015 as an Ecuadorian lawyer and in 2017, I became an American citizen. I obtained my license to practice law in the United States in 2020. In 2021, I quit my dream job at a prestigious law firm in California in order to build the life of my dreams. I built my law practice, Garcia-French Law, to serve and guide other immigrant entrepreneurs like me who want to achieve the American dream. The focus area of my legal practice is E2 visas.

For me, being a lawyer means to serve our clients in building the vision of their entrepreneurial lives in this country. Whether starting a new chapter in the United States or expanding on their professional and business path.

As an international lawyer, I have lived, studied and worked in North and South America, Europe and Asia. I have developed diplomatic skills in multiple languages to work with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

I have visited 54 countries which has helped me expand my horizons and envision a life beyond borders. My passion is to serve those who don't give up and who are willing to pursue a life full of opportunities in the United States.

Before founding my practice, my experience ranged from corporate law at an international level, to family and immigration law in the U.S.

I had the privilege to belong to the prestigious team of Borton Petrini LLP, I was able to serve both the metropolitan areas of California and California’s smaller communities, specially educating farmers in the Central Valley of California about immigration matters.

While working at traditional law firms for 5 years, I handled dissolution proceedings, child custody, guardianships, termination of parental rights, child and spousal support, property division, and domestic violence restraining orders.

Previously, I worked as a legal counselor for multinationals such as GNC and Gold’s Gym, where I became familiar with public bureaucratic procedures and international court systems. I was also the head counsel of the biggest instant coffee manufacturer in Ecuador, EL CAFÉ C.A, supervising the legal department in a wide variety of corporate legal matters, including labor and construction contracts, and commercial transactions, such as intellectual property, mergers and acquisitions, financial/securities offerings, compliance, lawsuits and patents.

A life devoted to fitness and wellness gives me the energy to pursue all my aspirations and vision. I enjoy hiking, cycling, swimming, running Spartan and obstacle races, and half marathons in national parks.

I also help others achieve their goals, gaining healthier mental and physical habits.

In fact, as a foreign millennial lawyer, I wholeheartedly believe that the way of doing law is experiencing a radical change, and a client’s well-being should be approached in a holistic manner. This is why I encourage my clients to maintain focus on their health and wellness while we help them navigate their immigration matters.