She received her Juris Doctorate from Seton Hall University School Law in 2001. While attending law school, Ms. Mendonca was chosen to be a member of the Seton Hall Center for Social Justice Law Clinic, providing legal aid services. She also participated in the Eugene Gressmen Moot Court Competition. After graduation from law school, she served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Karen M. Cassidy, J.S.C., Judge of the Superior Court of New Jersey, Union County, Family Part. Prior to attending law school, Ms. Mendonca attended Kean University and graduated with Dean's List distinguishment. Ms. Mendonca, a Washington Center scholarship recipient, was also selected to participate in an internship program at the Office of the Corporation Counsel in Washington D.C. Ms. Mendonca received an undergraduate dual degree in Political Science and Criminal Justice in 1998.