Overview
Ilana Zelener concentrates her practice on commercial and complex consumer litigation, representing clients through every stage of the legal process—from initial pleadings and discovery to the preparation of pre-trial materials. She has developed and executed legal strategies in high-stakes commercial litigation in both state and federal courts, handling matters involving business disputes, contracts, fraud, product liability, class actions, and consumer protection statutes.
Ilana regularly advises clients on risk management, liability, and exposure in complex commercial disputes, working closely with in-house counsel to achieve business-oriented solutions. Her experience spans negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and trial, where she has secured favorable outcomes in a wide range of matters, including civil, business, merchant cash advance, employment, and personal injury cases. She has drafted and argued dispositive motions, conducted in-depth fact investigations and witness interviews, and navigated complex legal issues across multiple jurisdictions.
In addition to her commercial practice, Ilana is deeply committed to pro bono work. She has successfully represented Holocaust survivors in pursuing insurance repayment claims, demonstrating her dedication to advocating for those in need.
Ilana also served as a judicial extern for Hon. Margaret Marrow in the US District Court for the Central District of California.
- California
- US District Court, Central District of California
- US District Court, Northern District of California
- US District Court, Southern District of California
- Texas
- US District Court, Northern District of Texas
- US District Court, Western District of Texas
- US District Court, Eastern District of Texas
- US District Court, Southern District of Texas
- J.D., Loyola Law School, 2016, Civil Litigation, with honors; Production Editor, Loyola of Los Angeles Entertainment Law Review
- B.A., University of California, Irvine, 2011
Representative Matters
*Includes matters handled before joining Steptoe.
- 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 US 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 California’s Unfair Competition Law (UCL) and Consumers Legal Remedies Act (CLRA).
- 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 nonprofit 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, and violations of California’s UCL and False Advertising Law.
- 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.
- Negotiated and obtained numerous favorable settlements in actions involving allegations of negligence and violations of California’s UCL and Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies Act (CCRAA) on behalf of a major consumer reporting agency.
Professional Affiliations
- Dallas Bar Association, We Lead (2025)
- Regional Board Member, ADL, Texoma region