MERCEDES SALINAS-ESPINOSA joined Atlas & Hall, L.L.P., in 2003.  She practices law in the areas of local government and corporate law.  She speaks Spanish and is a member of Phi Delta Phi, the Texas State Bar Association, and the Hidalgo County Bar Association.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from Texas A&M University in 1989, a Master of Public Administration from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in 1999, with an emphasis in Public Policy.  Mercedes earned her J.D. from St. Mary's University of San Antonio in 2003.

Mercedes was employed by the City of Corpus Christi for five years as an assistant to the Mayor and as assistant to the Director of Public Works and Utilities.  She was then employed by the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TRNCC) for five years as the Clean Cities 2000 Program Manager and as a municipal storm water permit coordinator.  Throughout her public sector experience, Mercedes developed extensive experience working with municipal and state governments in the areas of water quality, solid waste management, estuarine systems, stormwater utilities and wastewater facilities.  She has worked extensively with elected officials throughout Texas in developing municipal programs in compliance with state permits.

Mercedes was born and raised in Roma, Texas in Starr County.