Ilana Zelener is a principal attorney in MWM’s award-winning litigation group, offering a strategic and client-focused approach. She represents businesses, organizations, and individuals in a wide range of commercial litigation matters and disputes.

With extensive experience in complex litigation, Ilana has skillfully handled cases involving breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duties, partnership disputes, false advertising, business torts, trade secrets, and personal injury actions. Ilana collaborates closely with the MWM litigation team to craft litigation strategies that are informed by legal, economic, and industry trends. Her commitment to understanding challenges from the client’s perspective ensures that her strategies align with their broader business objectives, leading to efficient and effective case resolutions.

Ilana is fluent in both English and Russian and is barred in both California and Texas. Ilana brings a diverse and inclusive perspective to her practice, enhancing her ability to serve a wide array of clients.

  • Successfully represented national bank in connection with a negligence and equitable indemnity dispute and obtained motion for judgment on the pleadings in favor of bank. In connection with cross-complaint in same action, obtained dismissal in favor of bank.
  • Secured complete dismissal of contentious, high-profile civil rights class action in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana on behalf of a sports association.
  • Secured dismissal of breach of contract claims against pet food manufacturer by preparing a winning motion for summary adjudication.
  • Obtained motion for summary judgment in favor of rental car client in an action involving violations of unfair business practices under Business and Professions Code § 17200 and California Consumers Legal Remedies Act (CLRA) under California Civil Code § 1750.
  • As lead counsel, successfully obtained numerous dismissals of negligence lawsuits brought against a consumer reporting agency in connection with a large data breach.
  • Obtained summary judgment for non-profit in two actions based on alleged misuse of donations and fraudulent misrepresentations related thereto (affirmed on appeal; Supreme Court review denied).
  • Obtained dismissal at the pleading stage in a state action alleging intentional and negligent misrepresentation, concealment, unfair business practices under Business and Professions Code § 17200 and false advertising under Business and Professions Code § 17500 causes of action.
  • Obtained dismissal of national car rental company at the pleading stage in a state action alleging causes of action for negligence, violations of the Unruh Civil Rights Act, violations of the Bane Act, and other torts.
  • Secured dismissal for national telecommunications carrier in a case involving breach of contract, conversion, and unjust enrichment.
  • Successfully represented individual in a lawsuit involving contract and fraud claims related to a promissory note.
  • Successfully represented an individual in a corporate dissolution dispute.
  • Successfully represented an individual in a dispute regarding the control and sale of a business.
  • Successfully represented a general contractor in a trial involving a construction project and foreclosure of a mechanic’s lien.
  • Successfully represented national rental car company in defense of various tort claims, including negligence and negligent entrustment.
  • Obtained dismissal in favor of rental car client in multiple negligent entrustment cases.
  • Obtained summary adjudication for owner in an action involving preliminary notice and mechanic’s lien issues.
  • Effectively represented multiple companies in business-to-business breach of contract and tort disputes.
  • Negotiated and obtained numerous favorable settlements in actions involving allegations of negligence, violations of the UCL, and the Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies Act (CCRA) on behalf of one of the “Big-3” consumer reporting agencies.
  • Successfully negotiated a public housing dispute for individual pro bono client.
  • Successfully negotiated an insurance demand and repayment claim in favor of individual pro bono client.
  • Secured pro bono asylum victory from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services for a minor who fled horrific physical and emotional abuse and sexual assault in her home country of Honduras.

Press Releases

Munck Wilson Mandala Welcomes New Litigation Principal Ilana Zelener

Munck Wilson Mandala, a technology focused law firm, is pleased to welcome Ilana Zelener to the firm’s distinguished litigation team. Zelener joins MWM as a principal attorney, working in the Dallas office. She previously worked as an associate at Barnes and Thornburg in Dallas. “Ilana has an impressive background from her Judicial Externship to her

| 2 minute read

Client Alerts

Texas Business Court System: A Comprehensive Overview

Legal Framework The Texas Business Court operates under Chapter 25A of the Texas Government Code, with specific rules of practice in the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. The Court’s creation and structure were established through two key pieces of legislation: House Bill 19, which created the Business Court itself, and Senate Bill 1045, which established

| 4 minute read

Loyola Law School, JD, 2016

Production editor of the Loyola of Los Angeles Entertainment Law Review

Civil Litigation Concentration, with honors

University of California, Irvine, BA, 2021

International Studies

Minor in Psychology and Social Behavior

  • Dallas Bar Association
  • Dallas Association of Young Lawyers
  • Regional Board Member, ADL (Anti-Defamation League), Texoma 

California, 2016

Texas, 2022

U.S. District Court for the Central District of California

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas

U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas