A native of West Texas, Alva Marquez graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and American/British Literature. Subsequently, Ms. Marquez came to San Antonio, Texas and earned a Master of Arts degree in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations. During this time, Ms. Marquez participated in a city council campaign, worked as a residence service aid for low income individuals, served as a court-appointed advocate to neglected and abused children, and interned under the jurisdiction of the Violence against Women Act, providing legal assistance to low income individuals.

After receiving her graduate degree, Ms. Marquez realized her true calling lay with the law. She attended St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio, Texas. During law school, Ms. Marquez participated in the trial advocacy program, acquiring rigorous courtroom skills training. Throughout the entire duration of her legal studies, Ms. Marquez worked full-time with Tinsman & Sciano, gaining invaluable and practical legal experience along the way in cases that primarily involved catastrophic personal injury, among other complex legal issues.