Lcda. Yahaira López-Mercado
305 Mansiones De Coamo, Coamo
Summary
Experienced attorney and litigator with over 15 years of experience, including 12 years in public service. Proactive, organized, and responsible individual with strong interpersonal skills. Maintains composure under pressure and demonstrates effective time management. Committed to organizational principles and upholding high family and organizational values.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Prosecutor
Child Support Administration
01.2011 - Current
- Litigating attorney in the area of child support. Specialized knowledge in child support law at the state level and in accordance with federal and interstate provisions. Preparation of complex legal briefs before appellate forums.
Judicial Clerk
Guayama Judicial Center
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Experience in drafting legal briefs, legal memoranda, and draft judgments and resolutions for the judge’s signature. Skilled in using digital platforms for case law and legal source research.
- For Hon. Sigfrido Steidel Figueroa, Administrative Judge
Workshop Speaker – “Parents Forever” Program
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Experience and fluency in oral presentations and public speaking. Developed public speaking skills.
Contract Attorney
Child Support Administration
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Litigation in child support matters before the courts. Drafting of legal motions and preparation of cases for hearings.
Education
Juris Doctor -
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico – Ponce Campus
05.2009
Bachelor's Degree - Social Sciences, Major in Forensic Psychology
University of Puerto Rico – Ponce Campus
05.2006
Skills
- Legal Writing & Motion Practice: Highly experienced in drafting a wide range of legal documents, including motions, oppositions, and appellate briefs Skilled in crafting persuasive and well-reasoned legal arguments tailored to each stage of litigation
- Litigation & Courtroom Advocacy: Proven ability to handle complex litigation matters, from pre-trial motions through trial and appeal Comfortable and effective in both written and oral advocacy before the courts
- Appellate Practice: Specialized in preparing appellate briefs and procedural documents, with strong attention to legal standards, evidentiary issues, and procedural timelines Adept at analyzing trial records and identifying appealable errors
- High-Pressure Case Management: Demonstrated capacity to perform under tight deadlines and in high-stakes situations, consistently delivering high-quality legal work under pressure
- Family Law Expertise – Child Support (Alimony): In-depth experience in family law matters, particularly in child support and maintenance (alimony) cases Skilled in representing clients in both enforcement and modification proceedings, with a deep understanding of applicable statutes and case law in this area
- Responsive Legal Strategy: Strong ability to respond strategically to opposing motions and to adapt case strategies based on new developments in the litigation process
Certification
- Licensed Attorney – Puerto Rico Supreme Court, 2009
- RUA Number: 17,554
LANGUAGES
Spanish – Native
English – Fluent (oral and written)
Timeline
Assistant Prosecutor
Child Support Administration
01.2011 - Current
Judicial Clerk
Guayama Judicial Center
01.2010 - 01.2011
Workshop Speaker – “Parents Forever” Program
01.2010 - 01.2011
Contract Attorney
Child Support Administration
01.2009 - 01.2010
Bachelor's Degree - Social Sciences, Major in Forensic Psychology
University of Puerto Rico – Ponce Campus
Juris Doctor -
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico – Ponce Campus
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