Volunteer Spotlight: Daniela Mendez
Daniela Mendez began volunteering with Crossroads in 2019, driven by a desire to be a voice for underrepresented children. In 2021, she deepened her commitment by joining the Crossroads Board of Directors. A first-generation attorney fluent in Spanish, she bridges the cultural gaps and ensures youth facing trauma, poverty, and mental illness are truly seen and heard in court. Beyond legal advocacy, she mentors her clients, celebrates their achievements, and even opened her home as a foster mother to a former client. Beyond her work at Tampa General Hospital, Daniela enjoys traveling, listening to spoken word poetry, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her husband, newborn son, and foster daughter.
What has been a meaningful experience during your time at Crossroads?
One experience that stood out was working on an immigration law and delinquency case. That’s part of what makes Crossroads so unique—volunteer AALs step into many different courtrooms advocating for their clients. I got the opportunity to learn about immigration laws and procedures while simultaneously assisting the public defender’s office on the client’s delinquency case. My most rewarding moment was meeting my now foster daughter. I first represented her in court, then later welcomed her into my home. Since then, she has returned to school, gotten braces, earned her learner’s permit, learned to drive, made the honor roll, and is now on track to graduate high school early at just 16 years old.
What does pro bono work mean to you?
Pro bono work is essential to the administration and access to justice. Zealous representation should be guaranteed to everyone regardless of their ability to pay. Pro bono has changed my life in the best way because I feel a sense of purpose in helping vulnerable children. Everyone deserves an attorney, including a child who has been neglected or abused by those meant to protect them. My role is to help children find and use their voice in the courtroom. Nothing feels better than closing a case with a positive outcome for the child, helping them move forward from any obstacle they face.
What advice would you give to new or potential volunteers?
Ask for help when you need it—whether from the executive director or more seasoned AALs. If you find yourself not knowing what to do with your case, there is no need to go through it alone. There is help available in any way that you may need it, whether that is how to speak or connect with your client or how to best advocate in court. And to attorneys who are considering pro bono work, my advice is simple and echoes the Nike phrase: “Just Do It.” There are excellent trainings and support, and the work is incredibly worthwhile. Sometimes, Crossroads attorneys are the only ones who fight for these kids, and they deserve a chance to persevere through their setbacks in life. Children should never ever be in court alone.
Best courtroom song?
Born For This by The Score
