Richard C. Mendoza was born in Chicago, Illinois and grew up in Princeton, West Virginia. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Minor in Sociology from West Virginia University in 2000. He then received a Juris Doctor degree with Pro Bono honors from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in 2003. While in law school, he was a certified legal intern at the San Diego County Public Defender's Office. Upon graduation from law school, Mr. Mendoza moved to Florida and began to volunteer with the Osceola County Public Defender's office as a legal intern. He also worked part time for the Walt Disney World Company as a Monorail Pilot. After passing the Florida Bar, Mr. Mendoza began his career as an Assistant Public Defender for the Office of the Public Defender, 9th Judicial Circuit, Orange and Osceola Counties. In 2009, he opened his own practice where he continued to zealously advocate for his clients. He dedicated his practice in criminal defense, civil traffic citations and family law. In 2019, with a desire to help those in need, he returned to his position as an Assistant Public Defender. Then in 2022, he moved to the Northern Virginia area to practice in the field of immigration law. He is a former Assistant Chief Counsel for Office of Principal Legal Advisor and is versed in court procedures and law of immigration. Mr. Mendoza has been practicing law since 2007 and has been a member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Seminole County Bar Association and Seminole County Inns of Court. He is a Past-President of the Osceola County Bar Association. He is currently a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).
He is also active in his church and community. He has served as a Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Florida. He has been involved in numerous church and community activities dating back when he was a young adult. When he is not litigating Mr. Mendoza enjoys being out and about either running Half-Marathons or out on the golf course. He and his wife, Tiffany, likes to travel and see new sights.