PRACTICES
OVERVIEW
Marlena defends employers, non-profit organizations and colleges and universities in workplace litigation and counsels clients through a wide range of complex employment matters. Marlena works with employers to ensure compliance with federal, state and local employment laws.
She advises clients in employment discrimination cases involving allegations of discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. She also regularly represents businesses, non-profits and colleges and universities in discrimination, harassment and retaliation claims before federal and state courts and administrative agencies.
Additionally, Marlena advises employers on day-to-day employment matters including operational decisions, termination decisions, reductions in force, wage and hour compliance and the protection of confidential and proprietary information.
Marlena has conducted multiple confidential investigations for employers, municipalities and institutions of higher learning, addressing complex and high-stakes workplace issues. Marlena is passionate about using the law to benefit her clients with strategic precision and practical insight.
Recognition and Involvement
Recognition & Involvement
Marlena was selected for inclusion in the Lawyers of Color Hot list of 2022. The Lawyers of Color Hot List honors junior and mid-level attorneys of color who exemplify integrity, leadership, and a passion for diversity in their roles.
Outside of work, Marlena enjoys leading and participating in social justice, faith-based and community outreach initiatives.
Prior to becoming an attorney, Marlena was active in the law school community, including her role as the President of the Christian Law Student Society, 3L Representative for the Black Law Student Association and member of the Trial Team.
During her time in law school, Marlena volunteered as a first generation law school mentor and as an income tax preparer for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. Additionally, Marlena was the recipient of the “Best Supporting Student” award for the weekly motivating speeches delivered to first year students.
Credentials
Bar and Court Admissions
Pennsylvania
New Jersey
Education
Roger Williams University School of Law, JD, 2021
West Chester University of Pennsylvania, MS, 2016
West Chester University of Pennsylvania, BS, 2013
News & Insights
Memberships
Barristers Association of Philadelphia
National Bar Association
Pennsylvania Bar Association
REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS
- Conducted confidential investigations for Colleges and Universities involving allegations of employee misconduct, breach of confidentiality and compliance issues.
- Conducted multiple confidential investigations for a New Jersey municipality addressing employee conduct, workplace policy violations and claims of discrimination.
- Conducted confidential investigations for employers involving allegations of employee misconduct and claims of discrimination and harassment.
- Defended employer in wage and hour claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
BLOGS & PODCASTS
Blog Posts
Podcasts
The Employment Law Counselor Podcast
- Best Practices for Employers In An Unsettled DEI Climate2.20.25
This episode of The Employment Law Counselor podcast, in collaboration with the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS), dives into recent executive orders which end Federal DEI programs and, among other things, encourage private sector employees to end “illegal DEI” programs. Victoria Fuller, Partner and Co-Chair of Labor and Employment Practice Group, and Laura Corvo, Counsel, are joined by Marlena Ellis, Associate, to discuss the implications of those executive orders on employers and offer some best practices employers should implement promptly to manage legal risks while still attracting and retaining high quality employees.