Mariana P. Best

Mariana is an associate attorney in Zelle’s Dallas office and is licensed to practice in the State of Texas, where she represents global insurance companies in all stages of litigation surrounding first-party property insurance claims. Particularly, her practice focuses around researching and providing in-depth analysis on simple to complex coverage issues. She also has experience in both analyzing and advising clients on breach of contract claims and violations of the Texas Insurance Code and Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

Prior to joining as an associate attorney, Mariana worked as a summer associate at Zelle. Mariana also had the privilege of serving as a judicial intern for the Honorable Amanda Reichek of the Fifth District Court of Appeals of Texas and as a law clerk for the Dallas Catholic Charities. Mariana received her J.D. from Texas Tech University School of Law in 2022, where she graduated magna cum laude and served as Editor in Chief of the Estate Planning and Community Property Law Journal.

Articles & Presentations

“An INTERESTing Question: Does A Texas Insurer Owe Statutory Penalty Interest on Disputed Claim Payments Without a Legal Judgment?,” The Zelle Lonestar Lowdown, May 14, 2024, co-author

"After Appraisal and Interest Payment: Court Finds that Attorneys’ Fees & TPPCA Interest Do Not Constitute an Independent Injury," The Zelle Lonestar Lowdown, September 12, 2023, co-author

“Viewpoint: Defining the Doctrine of Prevention in Texas,” The Zelle Lonestar Lowdown, August 8, 2023, co-author

"Viewpoint: Defining the Doctrine of Prevention in Texas," Claims Journal, July 27, 2023, co-author

“Court Limits Use of Approaching Statute of Limitations Exception to Presuit Notice Letter Requirement,” The Zelle Lonestar Lowdown, July 11, 2023, co-author

“Viewpoint: Evidentiary Issues With Google Earth Images in Property Claims,” The Zelle Lonestar Lowdown, June 13, 2023, co-author

“Jury Affirms that an Insured Must Have Actual Evidence to Demonstrate Bad Faith,” The Zelle Lonestar Lowdown, June 13, 2023, co-author

"Viewpoint: Evidentiary Issues with Google Earth Images in Property Claims," Claims Journal, May 30, 2023, co-author

Professional Affiliations

Dallas Women Lawyers Association

Noteworthy

Fluent in Spanish