Professor Fermín Miguel Méndez directs the Community Economic Development Clinic. He is a corporate law and securities law expert rooted in his startup, venture capital, technology, and mergers & acquisitions practice experience. His research focuses on various aspects of securities law, including democratizing startup investments, creating equitable access to capital, and increasing economic participation of excluded persons. Prior to joining Albany Law School, he co-taught the Entrepreneurship Clinic at the University of Michigan Law School. Professor Mendez also served as an attorney at Varnum LLP and Clark Hill PLC, where he counseled clients across the corporate lifecycle, including budding entrepreneurs, seed-stage and venture-backed companies, and private equity buyers. Professor Mendez regularly provides companies and entrepreneurs advice on employee onboarding, intellectual property strategy, intellectual property licensing and commercialization, securities offerings, and various other business considerations. While at Varnum LLP, he functioned as both a service provider and brand ambassador for the firm's startup/economic development initiative. During his time in Michigan, Professor Mendez mentored multiple business cohorts at local Southeast Michigan accelerators and programs. Additionally, he served as a board member and head coach for Beat the Streets Detroit Inc., an organization aiming to improve long-term outcomes for at-risk Detroit youth via the sport of wrestling. There, he led Midwest regional initiatives and created the Detroit Girls Wrestling Clinic, an annual event with the dual purpose of increasing female participation in wrestling and exposing his student-athletes to next-level competitors and role models.

Professor Mendez earned his JD from the University of Michigan Law School in 2015. He served as an articles editor of the Michigan Telecommunications and Technology Law Review and a student attorney in the Entrepreneurship Clinic for three semesters. Professor Mendez also earned his AB from Harvard University in 2011 (the comparative study of religion with a focus on interreligious dialogue, Roman Catholicism, and Buddhism), and he wrestled for Harvard’s D1 Varsity Wrestling Team. In the Capital Region, Professor Mendez serves as a board member of the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region and regularly judges local business competitions. Additionally, he works with various stakeholders across the national wrestling community to increase equitable access to the sport for women, girls, and communities of color.