She received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas in 1980 and her Juris Doctor from the University of Texas School of Law in 1989.

She was a presiding judge of the 139th Judicial District Court from 1995 to 1996.

[2] On June 16, 2004, Alvarez was nominated by President George W. Bush to a seat on the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas vacated by David Hittner.

She was confirmed by the United States Senate on November 20, 2004, and received her commission on December 13, 2004.

[2] Alvarez also served on the President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans.