Marlena Mendez Higgins
Paralegal
Marlena joined the firm as paralegal in 2025 and assists in the Litigation practice. Throughout her career she has conducted in-depth research, managed document production and drafted documents among other responsibilities.
Marlena received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and her paralegal certificate from Phoenix College. She started her career in the legal field in 2006. Her experience includes complex litigation cases, oil & gas, insurance, employment, and general litigation.
Practice Areas
Education & Admissions
Education
- Phoenix College (Paralegal Studies Certificate, 2009)
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University (M.Ed. in Social Sciences, 2006)
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University (B.A. in Criminal Justice, 2005)
Experience
- 2025-Present Hall Estill
- 2021-2025 The Rudnicki Firm
- 2017-2021 Fellers, Snider, Blankenship, Bailey & Tippens
- 2013-2017 Crowe & Dunlevy
- 2007-2013 Snell & Wilmer
- 2006-2007 Ogletree Deakins
Honors & Awards
- Central Oklahoma Association of Legal Assistants (COALA) Paralegal of the Year, July 2024
- National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) Affiliate Association Member Award, July 2023
Community & Professional Involvement
- 2023-Present Chair for COALA
- 2021-Present Bar NALA Liaison for COLA
- 2020 - Present Active member in NALA
- 2020 - 2021 Secretary for COALA
- 2017 - Present Volunteer at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma
- 2015 - 2019 Placement Committee for COALA
- 2013 - Present Active Member in COALA