As an immigration attorney, I have seen true despair in my clients' faces, and to be able to fix that and make the pain and worry go away with a positive outcome is an unbelievable feeling. Only my three children can top that feeling!
I am the daughter of Filipino immigrants, and I grew up alongside my parents working in our ethnic grocery store, 12 hours a day, when I wasn't in school. It's no wonder I'm an immigration attorney today. All of our grocery store customers were immigrants, and I witnessed first-hand their struggles. All I ever wanted to do since I was 8-years old was to be a lawyer to help my parents and to help the people around me. I didn't know then that meant one day being an immigration lawyer, but I am so fortunate to be in one of the most rewarding areas of the legal profession.
I started my law firm with my husband, John Gardner, over 15 years ago, and when you become a client, you also become part of our family at Gardner & Mendoza.
We look forward to meeting you and serving you.
-Radlyn Mendoza
Practice areas
Business & Family Immigration, Removal/Deportation, Citizenship
23 years
Languages spoken
English, Spanish, Tagalog
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
VA | Authorized to Practice Law | 1998 | 03/25/2022 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Top Lawyer | Coastal Virginia Magazine | 2017 |
BEST LAW FIRM | The Virginian-Pilot | 2017 |
Top Lawyer | Coastal Virginia Magazine | 2016 |
Legal Elite Immigration Law | Virginia Business Magazine | N/A |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Partner | Gardner & Mendoza, P.C. | 2000 - Present |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
American Immigration Lawyers Association (DC chapter) | Speaker coordinator | 2015 - Present |
American Immigration Lawyers Association (Washington, DC chapter) | Norfolk USCIS Brown Bag co-chair | 2013 - Present |
American Immigration Lawyers Association (Washington D.C. chapter) | Norfolk United States & Immigration Services Liaison co-chair | 2013 - Present |
American Immigration Lawyers Association | 1999 - Present | |
American Immigration Lawyers Association (DC chapter) | USCIS Liaison | 2013 - 2014 |
American Immigration Lawyers Association | Norfolk USCIS Liaison | 2009 - 2010 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Hampton Roads Mix Magazine | Immigrants, The New Americans | N/A |
American Immigration Lawyers Association Immigration Handbook | Love & Marriage: Marriage-Based Immigration | N/A |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Seton Hall University School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1998 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
American Immigration Lawyers Association Bangkok Chapter Annual Conference | DEALING WITH THE PENALTIES: EXPECTING AND WAIVING INADMISSIBILITY DETERMINATIONS | 2015 |
Old Dominion Bar Association 75th Anniversary Conference | Immigration Reform Issues | 2015 |
BB&T Multicultural Event | Deferred Action (DACA/DAPA) | 2015 |
Old Dominion University Hispanic Heritage Month Keynote | Hispanic Heritage Month Colloquium: Hispanos/Latinos en Hampton Roads | 2014 |
Unit Meeting, League of Women Voters | Immigration Reform | 2014 |
Hispanics In Hampton Roads Open Forum | Impact of Immigration on Hispanics in Hampton Roads | 2014 |
National Public Radio Hearsay Program with Cathy Lewis | Immigration | N/A |
American Immigration Lawyers Association Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada | Marriage-based "Green Card" | N/A |
Local speaker prior to Jeb Busch simulcast interview in NY | Immigration Reform - Impact on Hampton Roads | N/A |
Immigration Consequences of Criminal Convictions | Immigration Consequences of Criminal Convictions | N/A |
Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association Continuing Legal Education | Immigration Law | N/A |
League of Women Voters, Annual Meeting | Immigration In America | N/A |
Virginia Beach Bar Association Continuing Legal Education | Immigration Consequences of Criminal Convictions | N/A |
Liberty Tax Professional Webinar Series | The Fundaments of Immigration and Taxation | N/A |
National Public Radio Cathy Lewis Show | Immigration | N/A |
Williamsburg Economic Development Authority Business Roundtable Luncheon | EB5 Overview | N/A |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Same-sex marriage Green Card (Adjustment of Status) | Lawful Permanent Resident status granted |
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Joy Haynes, Immigration Attorney on Jun 21, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have known and worked with Radlyn for years. She is knowledgeable, reliable, creative and dogged in her pursuit of a positive outcome for her client. She cares on a personal and professional level, setting her apart from her peers.
Jamilah Le Cruise, Immigration Attorney on Jan 26, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Ms. Mendoza. She was gracious enough to speak at several CLEs held on behalf of the Virginia State Bar Young Lawyers Immigrant Outreach Committee when I chaired it. I refer all immigration clients to her because I know they will be in excellent hands.
Joy Haynes, Immigration Attorney on Jun 21, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have known and worked with Radlyn for years. She is knowledgeable, reliable, creative and dogged in her pursuit of a positive outcome for her client. She cares on a personal and professional level, setting her apart from her peers.
Jamilah Le Cruise, Immigration Attorney on Jan 26, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Ms. Mendoza. She was gracious enough to speak at several CLEs held on behalf of the Virginia State Bar Young Lawyers Immigrant Outreach Committee when I chaired it. I refer all immigration clients to her because I know they will be in excellent hands.
Brian Gillette, Immigration Attorney on Jan 19, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Radlyn is smart, caring, and creative. Definitely someone you want on your side if you are dealing with an immigration issue!
Katherine Wilcox Carter, Immigration Attorney on Jun 16, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Radlyn is thoughtful, prepared, and thorough. She's an aggressive advocate for the immigrant community in Virginia, and provides comprehensive legal services for whatever issues arise. I highly recommend Radlyn.
Wayne Holcomb, Immigration Attorney on Jun 15, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I highly endorse this lawyer. She is very knowledgeable.
Kellam Parks, Immigration Attorney on Jun 12, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Radlyn is well-versed in Immigration law. She and her firm go beyond just knowledge of the law - they really dive deep into their clients' needs. I highly recommend Radlyn for any immigration issues.
Edrie Pfeiffer, Immigration Attorney on Mar 4, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Radlyn is one of the premier immigration lawyers in this area. Both she and her staff go above and beyond in assisting their clients through a stressful time. Radlyn has been sought out by the media due to her expertise in Immigration law. If you are dealing with Immigration issues, this is the lawyer you need to contact.
William O'Mara, Immigration Attorney on Oct 29, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Radlyn is a very skilled and experienced immigration attorney. I give her my highest endorsement.
Jim Hurley, Immigration Attorney on Oct 29, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I consider Radlyn the preminent immigration attorney in our region. I give her my highest endorsement, and confidently refer clients to her knowing their cases will be handled skillfully and professionally.
Olga Antle, Immigration Attorney on Aug 5, 2012
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
Radlyn is a very experienced, knowledgeable and highly regarded attorney in the area of immigration law. She connects with her clients on a very personal level, as she truly cares about her clients and the outcomes of their cases. Radlyn has done an outstanding job in many complex immigration matters, and it is my honor and pleasure to be working with her and to be learning from her.
Gregory Montero, Immigration Attorney on Feb 15, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Radlyn is a great person, and a competent and attentive attorney. I have received nothing but positive feedback from anyone I have ever referred to her.
Jim Haynes, Immigration Attorney on Jan 6, 2012
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. I have collaborated with Radlyn on immigration cases for many years. She is extremely bright and very honest in her dealings with clients. She has been active in the American Immigration Lawyers Association and is widely respected among her colleagues. I know that she has a very good reputation at the USCIS office in Norfolk.