Guercio & Guercio, LLP is pleased to announce that Lakshmi Singh Mergeche has joined the firm as a partner.

Ms. Singh Mergeche joins Guercio & Guercio from Shaw Perelson, where she served as a partner. She brings extensive experience advising and representing public school districts on a broad range of education law matters, including special education, student discipline, and regulatory compliance. Her background includes representation before administrative agencies and in state and federal courts, as well as service as an impartial investigator in matters involving discrimination and harassment.

“I am honored to join Guercio & Guercio and to work alongside such a respected team of attorneys,” said Ms. Singh Mergeche. “The firm's commitment to thoughtful, principled advocacy for school districts and educational institutions strongly aligns with my own values and professional experience. Guercio & Guercio has a longstanding reputation for excellence in education law, and I am excited to contribute my experience to support the firm's clients and mission.”

Ms. Singh Mergeche began her legal career as a prosecutor in the Domestic Violence Unit of the Bronx County District Attorney's Office. She later spent significant time as a litigator in the New York City Department of Education's Office of General Counsel, Special Education Unit. In addition, she has represented families of children with special needs, advocating for appropriate educational services and tuition reimbursement.

She is admitted to practice in New York State and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, and is a member of the New York State Bar Association.

“Her depth of experience in education law, combined with her balanced perspective representing both school districts and families, strengthens our firm and enhances the level of counsel we provide to our clients,” Christopher F. Mestecky, Managing Partner of Guercio & Guercio LLP. “She is a tremendous addition to our leadership team. Guercio & Guercio looks forward to the experience, insight, and leadership Ms. Singh Mergeche brings to the firm.”

About Guercio & Guercio LLP

Guercio & Guercio LLP is a leading education, labor, and municipal law firm based in Farmingdale, New York. The firm opened in 1984 with three attorneys and has grown at a deliberate and steady pace to its current size of 42 lawyers. Its attorneys collectively bring more than 300 years of combined experience in education, labor, and municipal law and are active members and leaders in professional associations across New York State.

The firm has invested significant human and financial resources in recruiting and retaining top graduates of respected law schools. New attorneys are drawn to the dynamic nature of the firm's practice, the collegial office environment, and the professional opportunities offered. By investing in the growth and development of its lawyers, the firm ensures both their commitment and its promise to deliver expert legal counsel with speed, reliability, integrity, and personal attention.

On January 1, 2010, Guercio & Guercio LLP opened its Capital District office at 24 Century Hill Drive, Suite 101, Latham, New York, the headquarters of the New York State School Boards Association. This expansion enables the firm to provide the same high-quality legal services statewide that have long been the hallmark of its Long Island practice, while positioning the firm at the center of state government with direct access to the courts, executive agencies, the state legislature, and key administrative bodies whose work directly impacts public-sector clients.