Mario Mella

As a former Asylum Officer with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Mario adjudicated complex asylum applications, conducted affirmative asylum interviews, and performed comprehensive legal research to assess applicants' eligibility. Prior to this role, he served as a pro bono staff attorney at various nonprofit organizations in California, where he prepared U-Visa, T-Visa, and VAWA petitions, and drafted immigration filings to advocate for vulnerable applicants.

Beyond legal practice, Mario has also contributed to ethical oversight in research. As a Non-Affiliated Member of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) at San Carlos Lab Corp, he ensures compliance with federal and institutional regulations, providing an external perspective on ethical treatment and humane practices in animal research.

• Practice Areas: Immigration
• Law School: San Joaquin College of Law
• Undergraduate: Temple University in Philadelphia
• Licenses: Federally Admitted, State of California
• Awards/Achievements/Recognition: Witkin Award for Excellence, Loomis Legacy Medal of Distinction for Highest Ethics, Civility, and Professionalism, Pro Bono Attorney of the Year – New American Legal Clinic (2023), Leadership Award – Alpha Phi Omega International Collegiate Service Fraternity (2021)
• Languages: English, Filipino, Spanish