Marleni J. Chavana
Associate
Marleni focuses her practice on labor and employment litigation matters. Before joining K|W|W, she practiced as a litigation associate, where she handled all stages of complex business litigation as well as gained meaningful employment law experience – defending companies against discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination claims and analyzing exposure under Title VII and comparable state laws. That foundation shapes how she approaches client problems today: practically, and with an eye toward resolving disputes efficiently.
Marleni’s path to law was a distinctive one. She began her career in technology, working as a software developer for a global banking institution and holding earlier roles with several well-known technology companies. That background gives her a comfort with complex systems and data that serves her clients well, particularly in matters where the workplace and technology intersect.
Marleni earned her B.A. from Smith College, where she majored in Government and minored in Computer Science. She earned her J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law, completing a concentration in Business Law with honors. During law school she held the Justice Joseph Story Intellectual Property Law Fellowship, the Law, Technology & the Arts Research Fellowship, and the Cox International Law Center Fellowship, which included an internship in Spain. She competed with the Constance Baker Motley Mock Trial Team and was active in several student organizations, including the Latinx Law Student Association.
Other Personal Background Information and Interests
Marleni and her husband, Jacob, like to travel internationally and visit family on both coasts. They also make a point to try new restaurants and take in theater performances and movies. At home, they spend much of their time with their two Persian cats.
Education
- Smith College, B.A., Government, 2020
- Case Western Reserve University School of Law, J.D., 2024
Bar Admissions
- State of Ohio
Professional Activities and Recognition
- Member, Ohio State Bar Association
- Member, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
- Member, Hispanic National Bar Association
- Member, Dominican Bar Association
Civic/Charitable Activities and Associations
- Judge Joan Synenberg’s Pro Bono Collaborative
- The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland