Tailored Legal Guidance for Businesses and Executives
As a Former Federal Prosecutor and Federal Agent, I specialize in providing personalized legal representation and counsel designed specifically for businesses and executives. My expertise spans investigations, enforcement actions, internal inquiries, and comprehensive compliance advice, offering invaluable insights to protect your interests.
Trained by Legal Experience
With more than 20 years dedicated to the legal field, I've navigated the intricate landscapes of federal prosecution and investigations. This extensive experience allows me to craft proactive and strategic legal approaches, ensuring your business remains compliant and resilient in the face of regulatory challenges.
Your Trusted Legal Partner
As your dedicated advisor, I am committed to delivering tailored legal strategies aimed at safeguarding and advancing your business interests. From providing comprehensive compliance advice to offering skilled representation, I am here to guide you through legal complexities, empowering your business for success.
Professional Highlights
Career Summary
Justo A. Méndez is a seasoned attorney and former federal prosecutor with over 20 years of experience at the intersection of healthcare law, federal criminal defense, and regulatory compliance. As Principal of Mendez Health Law P.C., he brings unparalleled insight gained from serving as a Special Agent with the HHS Office of Inspector General and as a Special Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of Texas.
Legal Experience
- Chief Compliance Officer, Townsen Memorial Health System — Houston, TX. Serving as Chief Compliance Officer, overseeing all compliance programs, regulatory adherence, and risk management for a multi-facility health system.
- Principal, Mendez Health Law P.C. — Federal white-collar criminal defense; healthcare regulatory, transactional, and compliance matters; Stark Law, Anti-Kickback, HIPAA, and CMS reimbursement.
- Partner, Greenspoon Marder — Federal white-collar defense; healthcare provider representation in regulatory, disciplinary, and reimbursement matters.
- Partner, Holland & Knight, LLP — Federal criminal investigations and prosecutions; healthcare compliance and regulatory counsel.
- Senior Counsel, Clark Hill Strasburger — Federal healthcare fraud defense; compliance program development.
- Partner, McCullough Sudan, PLLC — CMS and insurance carrier reimbursement matters; TMB disciplinary proceedings.
- Chief Legal, Compliance & HR Officer, Harbor Healthcare Systems — Led legal, compliance, and HR operations for 56 hospice agencies, a long-term acute care hospital, two home-health agencies, a physician group, and a DME company across Texas, Louisiana, and Michigan.
- Senior Corporate Counsel, DaVita, Inc. — Healthcare regulatory and compliance guidance for DaVita's Kidney Care division.
Federal Government Service
- Special Agent, HHS Office of Inspector General — Appointed Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, SDTX; investigated and prosecuted multimillion-dollar Medicare/Medicaid fraud cases on the National Medicare Fraud Strike Force.
- Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, SDTX — Managed 10+ multimillion-dollar federal healthcare, bank, and bankruptcy fraud cases; secured dozens of criminal convictions; coordinated with FBI, OIG, ICE, and Secret Service.
Education
- Master in Health Law — University of Houston Law Center
- Master in Health Administration — Tulane University School of Public Health
- Juris Doctor — University of Puerto Rico School of Law
- Bachelor of Arts — University of Michigan (Political Science & Cultural Anthropology)
Bar Admissions & Memberships
- Texas State Bar | Puerto Rico Bar | Federal District Court, Southern District of Texas
- American Health Lawyers Association
Additional Skills
- Fully bilingual in English and Spanish
- Expert interpretation and analysis of medical records and charts