EXPERIENCE 

Marlene represents private and public sector employers in both labor and employment law matters.  Marlene has litigated and advised clients in federal civil rights issues (e.g. Title VII, Americans with Disabilities Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and Sections 1981-1985), and other federal and state employment matters such as the Family and Medical Leave Act, The Fair Labor Standards Act, and the Federal and State whistleblower statutes.  Marlene also has experience defending clients in federal and state court cases arising under the First and Fourteenth Amendments, and 42 U.S.C. Section 1983.

Marlene has represented employers in matters before the National Labor Relations Board, the Public Employers Relations Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (and related state and local agencies), and the Division of Administrative Hearings.  In addition, Marlene has extensive experience in labor arbitrations, collective bargaining and related union issues, day to day client counseling and problem solving, policies and procedures, and employment related training.     

Marlene's lobbying experience includes providing government relations counseling to a diverse group of clients that include non-profit advocacy organizations and national corporations.  Marlene has developed effective legislative strategies, built coalitions, and effectively organized grassroots communications.  Marlene has proven herself to be an effective mediator, having mediated dozens of federal and state court cases.

EDUCATION

• University of Miami, B.S. in Communication, Miami, FL (cum laude, with            honors, 1993)
• University of Miami School of Law, J.D. (cum laude, 1996) 
  
  • Order of the Coif 
  • InterAmerican Law Review, Associate Editor, 1995-1996 
  • Iron Arrow Honor Society 
• Silver Knight Honorable Mention General Scholarship, 1990 
• St. Brendan High School Valedictorian, 1990 

ADMISSIONS

• State of Florida 
• United States District Court, Southern District of Florida
• United States District Court, Middle District of Florida
• United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit

PROFESSIONAL

• “AV” rated by Martindale-Hubbell
• Certified Circuit Civil Mediator
• The Florida Bar
  
  • Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law
  • Federal Court Practice Committee, 2010-2013
  • Labor and Employment Certification Committee, 2004-2010
  • Annual Convention Committee, 2009-2010
  • Board of Governors, ex-oficio member, 2006-2008
• Cuban American Bar Association
  
  • President, 2008; Vice President, 2005-2007
  • Board Member, 2003-2009; Secretary, 2004
• Latin Builders Association
• Dade County Bar Association
• Florida Association for Women Lawyers
• Academy of Florida Management Attorneys, Member
• Appointed to the Eleventh Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission, 2008-2012
• United States District Court, Southern District of Florida
  
  • Ad Hoc Committee on Attorney Admissions, Peer Review, and Attorney Grievance, 2009-2010
  • Ad Hoc Committee on Rules and Procedures

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

• Selected as a Top "Up and Comer" by South Florida Legal Guide, 2006-2011 Annual Editions
• Florida Super Lawyers, 2007-2010
• Top 50 Women Florida Super Lawyers, 2010
• Florida Trend “Legal Elite,” 2007-2010
• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Outstanding Lawyers of Miami-Dade County, “40 Under 40,” 2010
• Florida Association for Women Lawyers “Leader in the Law” Award, 2010
• University of Miami School of Law Alumni Leadership Award, 2008
• Recognized by Miami Herald as one of “20 successful professionals under 40” 

CIVIC

• Hispanic Woman of Distinction, 2010
• University of Miami School of Law Alumni Association, Director
• Miami Bridge, Member, Board of Directors
• Cuban American Bar Association Pro-Bono Project, Member, Board of Directors
• March of Dimes Walk America, Member, Steering Committee, 2003-2005
• Amigos for Kids Host Committee, 2002-2007
• Leadership Florida, Class XXVIII

LANGUAGES

• Fluent in Spanish

PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

• Vila & Son 2009 Leaders Forum, Managing Our Most Important Resource:  Our Employees (July 10, 2009)
• Latin Builders Association Legislative Committee “Breakfast Series”; Labor Laws are Changing, Are You Ready, Miami, Florida (March 26, 2009)
• Hispanic National Bar Association Mid-Year Conference, Panel Speaker- Keep             Them Coming Back for More: How to Expand Established Client Relationships,             Miami, Florida (March 6, 2009)
• Florida Bar Labor and Employment Section Seminar; Say it Right – 2007 Employment Discrimination Update; Key Biscayne, Florida (September 28, 2007)
• 30th Annual Local Government Law in Florida Seminar; Whistleblowers in the Local Government Setting; Bonita Springs, Florida (May 2007)
• Minority Corporate Counsel Association Conference; Evaluating Discrimination and Termination Lawsuits; Chicago, Illinois (March 18, 2005)
• ABA Section of Labor and Employment Law Midyear Meeting; Panel Speaker – Ethics in Employment Law; Key Biscayne, Florida (March 10, 2005)