Mercedes Margarita Salinas

I was born and raised in Roma, Texas. Roma is a small border community on the bank of the Rio Grande River, directly across Mexico.  Upon graduation from high school, I attended Texas A&M University, worked for a while, then earned a Master's Degree in Public Administration. After 10 years, law school followed. 

I’ve been a lawyer for 14 years.  I vividly remember the early years working at a large firm in McAllen, Texas with many amazingly bright attorneys. Back then, I enjoyed the constant challenges, the new things I learned seemingly daily, and the high energy of the legal world. In 2010, I left the larger firm practice to start the ever-challenging adventure of small-firm practice.  I did this primarily to spend more time with my kids and have more control over my own schedule.  Why do I love practicing law?  First, I like helping people solve their problems. I can’t fix a broken car or fix a leaking faucet, but I can fight legal battles really well and help people plan their wills and incorporate their businesses.  And, I’ve noticed that, during the heat and stress of small-office practice, I develop close and meaningful relationships with my clients. I think they see how committed I am to protect them. 

I have concentrated my practice in probate law (Wills and Estates) and business organizations (contracts, opening, selling, closing businesses and working to resolve business disputes). While these are my main areas of focus, I also work on guardianships, adoptions, and other similar matters. I also assist the courts, as an ad litem attorney, when asked. For the past 8 years, I have also had the privilege of representing the Hidalgo County Civil Service Commission (an appointed board that listens to complaints and grievances of county employees).  While most of my clients come to see me before they have an issue, there are many who find themselves in a situation and they need legal guidance to find their way out.  I find it satisfying to help them and always pay special attention to each of their matters, as if it were my own. I think any of my clients would tell you that I am readily available and willing to work on their timeline as much as possible and that they enjoy direct contact from me on a regular basis.

Finally, I think we all enjoy things at which we excel – especially if it’s a specialized subject in which few people can achieve results. After 14 years, I know probate and contracts well and thoroughly enjoy helping my clients begin new adventures and plan for their future.