Berenice Nelson
Denver,CO
Summary
Bilingual Communications ,Legal & Public Service Professional with extensive experience in criminal defense and immigration law. Proven expertise in case preparation, legal documentation, and client communication, currently supporting the Office of the State Public Defender. Background includes assisting with DACA, TPS, and naturalization processes, alongside strong skills in legal research and file organization. Committed to advancing access to justice and immigrant advocacy.
Overview
3
3
Languages
1
1
Certification
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Bilingual Administrator (Legal Support & Client Intake)
Office of the State Public Defender
Golden, Colorado
08.2025 - Current
- Conduct bilingual client intake interviews in English and Spanish, gathering legal, personal, and financial information for attorney review.
- Assist clients in completing the JD 208 Public Defender Application and related financial eligibility forms by explaining application requirements, documentation needs, and submission procedures.
- Assist clients who have been released from custody or bonded out with reapplying for Public Defender representation by completing required applications, verifying eligibility information, and explaining next steps in the process.
- Supported clients in gathering required documentation, including proof of income and household financial information, ensuring confidentiality and professionalism throughout the process.
- Review, process, and organize legal documents, case materials, and supporting records with exceptional accuracy.
- Research and organize client case information using Defender File, Colorado DOC Inmate Search, VINE, and Data Access to support attorney review.
- Explained court procedures, legal processes, and required documentation to clients and family members in English and Spanish, facilitating their understanding and compliance.
- Monitored and documented case information to ensure accuracy and timely updates. and ensure timely processing of records and supporting documentation.
- Train new employees on intake procedures, confidentiality requirements, and documentation standards.
- Developed training materials for staff on administrative protocols and software applications.
- Managed office operations, ensuring compliance with state public defender policies and procedures.
- Oversaw scheduling of court appearances and meetings, optimizing attorney availability and client service.
- Handled sensitive information discreetly, maintaining strict confidentiality at all times as required by company policy or legal regulations.
- Maintained accurate documentation of company policies and procedures for easy reference by all employees.
- Served as a liaison between departments, fostering open communication channels that improved overall organizational function.
- Led initiatives to improve communication between attorneys and support staff, fostering collaborative environment.
- Mentored junior staff in best practices for case documentation and record-keeping accuracy.
- Coordinated case management systems to streamline document retrieval and enhance workflow efficiency.
- Implemented process improvements that reduced administrative delays in case preparation and filing.
- Maintained personnel records and updated internal databases to support document management.
- Organized workflow and delegated tasks effectively to ensure timely project completion without compromising quality.
- Provided exceptional customer service to both internal and external stakeholders through prompt response times and thorough issue resolution efforts.
Bilingual Immigration Paralegal
My Rights Immigration Law
Denver, CO
08.2024 - 08.2025
- Supported attorneys in immigration case preparation, client intake, and case management from initial consultation to filing, ensuring thorough and timely processing.
- Prepared and reviewed immigration applications and supporting documentation, including I-130, I-485, I-765, I-821D (DACA), I-821 (TPS), N-400, I-864, and I-589, enhancing accuracy under attorney supervision.
- Assisted attorneys with immigration case preparation, client intake, and case management from initial consultation through filing.
- Managed confidential client files, monitored deadlines, and organized immigration records to ensure compliance and completeness of case documentation.
- Maintained confidential client files, monitored deadlines, and organized immigration records to ensure complete case documentation.
Bilingual Script Translator & Closed Caption Editor (Contract)
STARZ Entertainment
Denver, CO
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Translated and edited English and Spanish scripts, captions, and subtitles for STARZ original programming, enhancing viewer engagement through accurate and culturally relevant content.
- Created and reviewed bilingual closed captions and accessibility content using industry-standard captioning tools, improving accessibility for diverse audiences.
- Ensured quality, consistency, and compliance with language and formatting standards, successfully meeting strict production deadlines.
- Managed 15 to 30 incoming calls, marketing requests, emails and projects per day accordingly.
- Collaborated with production teams to deliver timely translations aligned with project deadlines.
- Translated scripts and dialogues for diverse genres, ensuring cultural relevance and context accuracy.
- Reviewed and edited translated materials for consistency, clarity, and adherence to industry standards.
- Assisted in the localization of marketing materials, enhancing audience engagement across various platforms.
- Mentored junior translators, providing guidance on best practices in translation techniques and tools.
- Led efforts to implement streamlined translation processes, improving workflow efficiency within the team.
- Evaluated new translation software, recommending solutions that enhanced productivity and quality control measures.
- Developed training resources for staff on emerging trends in multimedia translation and localization strategies.
- Translated documents from English to Spanish.
- Reviewed final work to spot and correct errors in punctuation, grammar, and translation.
- Improved readability of translated materials by employing advanced proofreading techniques and meticulous editing skills.
- Specialized in translating complex technical documents, ensuring accuracy and clarity
- Specialized in translating complex technical documents, ensuring accuracy and clarity for Spanish speaking audiences.
- Collaborated with fellow translators to ensure consistency in language usage and style across all documents.
Bilingual Content Producer
Univision Colorado (KDEN-TV)
Denver, Colorado
01.2019 - 01.2024
- Conducted investigative research and bilingual interviews on immigration, public policy, criminal justice, and community issues to provide insights for informed decision-making.
- Produced accurate written content through thorough research and documentation review, ensuring clarity and precision in complex topics.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams under strict deadlines, managing multiple projects to deliver timely and impactful content.
- Collaborated with teams under strict deadlines while managing multiple projects.
- Developed engaging multimedia content for broadcast and digital platforms to enhance viewer experience.
- Collaborated with producers and directors to conceptualize story ideas and production elements.
- Managed editorial calendars, ensuring timely delivery of content across various channels.
- Streamlined production workflows by implementing efficient processes and best practices in content management.
Digital Race & Culture Editor (Internship)
9NEWS (TEGNA)
Denver, Colorado
01.2022 - 01.2022
- Researched and reported on immigration, public policy, race, and criminal justice issues to inform public discourse.
- Verified information through multiple sources and produced accurate, fact-based content.
- Enhanced investigative research and writing skills through comprehensive document reviews and analysis.
- Analyzed audience feedback to refine editorial direction and improve content quality.
- Developed partnerships with local artists and cultural institutions to enrich coverage diversity.
- Conducted research on emerging cultural trends to inform editorial decisions and topic selection.
- Established strong relationships with industry professionals, fostering valuable partnerships and collaborations.
- Organized special events and panel discussions to promote the publication''s brand within the cultural community.
- Managed a team of freelance writers, ensuring high-quality output and adherence to deadlines.
Bilingual Immigration Assistant
The Frager Immigration Law Firm
Memphis, Tennessee
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Conducted bilingual client intake interviews for DACA, TPS, naturalization, and family-based immigration matters.
- Supported attorneys by preparing immigration cases through document organization and evidence compilation.
- Prepared clients for USCIS interviews by reviewing procedures, documentation requirements, and expected questions.
- Executed translation of immigration forms, legal correspondence, and supporting documents between English and Spanish to ensure accuracy and clarity.
- Managed confidential client files and maintained professional communication, fostering trust and transparency during the immigration process.
- Assisted clients with immigration application processes, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
- Conducted research on immigration laws and policies to provide accurate information to clients.
- Coordinated document preparation and submission for visa petitions and green card applications.
- Reviewed case files for completeness and accuracy, facilitating timely processing of applications.
- Communicated with government agencies regarding case status updates and client inquiries.
- Monitored immigration law developments and procedural changes to improve client service quality and case outcomes.
- Conducted client intake interviews to determine client service need and eligibility.
- Built strong relationships with clients, offering compassionate support during challenging immigration situations.
- Expedited case processing times with diligent follow-ups on pending applications and inquiries.
- Contributed to the development of office protocols, streamlining workflows for increased efficiency.
- Maintained strict confidentiality of sensitive client information, adhering to ethical guidelines in handling personal data.
- Interviewed clients to obtain information relevant to cases.
- Researched statutes, decisions, legal articles, and codes.
- Revised and finalized letters, briefs, and memos.
- Produced legal documents such as briefs, pleadings and appeals.
- Collaborated with attorneys to develop strategies for each case.
- Attended court hearings and depositions to take notes and document proceedings.
- Reviewed, edited and proofread litigation for proper grammar, spelling and punctuation.
- Prepared various exhibits for attorneys for public meetings, zoning commission meetings, and legal resolutions.
- Created weekly, monthly, and quarterly expense reports.
- Conducted background investigations on defendant.
Education
Paralegal Studies Certificate - ABA-Approved Program
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, CO07-2026
Master of Literary Arts - Publishing & Creative Writing
University of Denver
Denver, CO12-2025
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism & Media Production, Minor in Spanish
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, CO01-2022
Associate Studies - Education
Christian Brothers University
Memphis, TN01-2016
Skills
- Case management systems
- Defender File
- Data Access
- Inmate search
- VINE
- Legal Software
- Legal expertise
- Case Management
- Document Review
- Legal Research
- Legal Correspondence
- Document Management Systems
- Records Management
- Microsoft Office
- Adobe Acrobat
- File organization
Accomplishments
Volunteered as a bilingual (English/Spanish) translator for Jefferson County Court’s Warrant Forgiveness Program, helping Spanish-speaking community members access court services, understand legal proceedings, and communicate effectively with court personnel.
Affiliations
- American Translators Association (ATA)
- Colorado Translators Association (CTA)
- Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC)
- Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN)
- Colorado Lawyers Committee (volunteer opportunities)
Certification
Complete required Spanish interpreter certification testing through the Public Defender’s Office (ALTA). MINOR IN SPANOS MASTER IN WRITING PRALEGAL CERTIFICATE IN PROGRESS SECONF MASTERS
LANGUAGES
Spanish – Native
English – Fluent
Certified Spanish Interpreter (ALTA)
Timeline
Bilingual Administrator (Legal Support & Client Intake)
Office of the State Public Defender
08.2025 - Current
Bilingual Immigration Paralegal
My Rights Immigration Law
08.2024 - 08.2025
Bilingual Script Translator & Closed Caption Editor (Contract)
STARZ Entertainment
01.2023 - 01.2025
Digital Race & Culture Editor (Internship)
9NEWS (TEGNA)
01.2022 - 01.2022
Bilingual Content Producer
Univision Colorado (KDEN-TV)
01.2019 - 01.2024
Bilingual Immigration Assistant
The Frager Immigration Law Firm
01.2013 - 01.2015
Associate Studies - Education
Christian Brothers University
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism & Media Production, Minor in Spanish
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Master of Literary Arts - Publishing & Creative Writing
University of Denver
Paralegal Studies Certificate - ABA-Approved Program
Metropolitan State University of Denver
CORE QUALIFICATIONS
- Immigration Law & Criminal Defense Support
- Non-Citizen Client Support
- Immigration Relief Applications (DACA, TPS, Naturalization)
- Legal Research & Client Case Analysis
- Legal Document Preparation & Review
- Legal Writing, Proofreading & Editing
- Client Intake & Eligibility Screening
- Case Management & File Organization
- USCIS Forms & Supporting Documentation
- Spanish-English Legal Translation & Interpretation
- Confidential Records Management
- Attorney & Client Support
- Data Tracking & Records Organization
- Cultural Competency & Client Advocacy
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
International experience conducting cross-cultural research and community interviews in Mexico, Nicaragua, and Spain, strengthening communication, cultural competency, and documentation skills.
COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICE EXPERIENCE
- Catholic Charities, Denver, Spanish-English interpretation supporting immigrant and refugee services.
- Denver Metro Warrant Clearance Events, Provided legal interpretation support for individuals resolving outstanding warrants.
- Immigration Community Outreach, Provided translation, advocacy, and client assistance for immigrant families.
- The Action Center, Denver, Supported community outreach and bilingual client services.