Professor Mertens joined the Santa Clara University School of Law faculty in 1975 and was appointed Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in 2006. Throughout her career, Mertens has been an integral part of Santa Clara Law’s international programs, directing summer abroad programs in Hong Kong in 1982 and in Geneva/Strasbourg in 1995, 1994, and 1999. She also led student immersion trips to El Salvador in 2004, 2006, and 2009, and co-directed the Costa Rica summer program in 2007. Mertens continues to stay involved in the local community, frequently appearing as an expert witness in real property litigation matters and occasionally serving as a private arbitrator and mediator.

Previous to joining Santa Clara Law, Mertens practiced with California Rural Legal Assistance. Professor Mertens was a visiting professor at Stanford Law School in 1987-88.

• Executive Director, Katharine and George Alexander Community Law Center, 2001-2005
• Recognized as a “Silicon Valley Woman of Influence” by the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal in 2010
• Received President Locatelli’s Faculty Recognition Award, 2005
• Recognized as “Bay Area Woman of Distinction,” 2004
• Innovative Teaching Award, 1997
• Santa Clara University Faculty Special Recognition Award, 1988

• Property
• Real Estate Finance
• Real Estate Broker Law
• Escrow Practices
• Title Insurance
• Real Estate Development