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Chelsea Gutierrez

@chelseagutierrez

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Dedicated public policy associate with a focus on health law.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I seek a role that fosters collaboration and allows me to advocate for health equity and justice.

I am a passionate advocate for health law and public policy, with a strong background in legal research and advocacy. I graduated with a J.D. from The George Washington University Law School, where I concentrated in Health Law and actively participated in various organizations, including co-founding the People’s Parity Project. My academic achievements, including summa cum laude honors in Political Science from Arizona State University, reflect my commitment to excellence.

In my current role as a Public Policy Associate at the National Council of Urban Indian Health, I lead initiatives that address pressing healthcare issues in Indian country. My experience includes drafting legal memorandums, policy analyses, and testimony in support of significant healthcare resolutions. I have also interned with organizations like Pregnancy Justice and the National Women’s Law Center, where I honed my skills in legal research and advocacy, particularly in areas affecting marginalized communities.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Public Policy Associate

National Council of Urban Indian Health

Feb 2023 - Jun 2025 (2 years 4 months)

Led and completed a grant for GOTV outreach and facilitated work with subgrantees. Drafted legal memorandums on pressing healthcare issues in Indian country and testimony in support of American Medical Association (AMA) Resolutions.

Legal Research Advocacy Stakeholder Engagement

Fall Legal Intern

Pregnancy Justice

Sep 2021 - Nov 2021 (2 months)

Obtained information and assisted with coding for arrest records research project. Researched criminal cases in Oklahoma related to drug use during pregnancy and drafted legal memorandum on the definition of 'special needs' to overcome a Fourth Amendment violation.

Legal Research Data Collection Fourth Amendment Cite Checking Reproductive Rights

Legal Intern, Judges & Courts

National Women 's Law Center

Jun 2021 - Aug 2021 (2 months)

Tracked Biden judicial nominees, status of confirmation, and background research on their record. Prepared factsheets and letters of support for judicial nominees with records related to gender justice issues.

Judicial Nominations Legal Research Gender Justice Advocacy Public Policy Government Relations

Student Attorney

Health Rights Law Clinic

Jan 2021 - Apr 2021 (3 months)

Represented and assisted client with appeal of coverage for dental implants under Medicare Advantage plan. Assisted client with obtaining necessary health care needs and resources and restoration of Medicare and SSDI benefits.

Appeals Medicare Benefits Legal Aid Legal Research

Fall Legal Intern

National Health Law Program

Sep 2020 - Dec 2020 (3 months)

Assisted attorneys with tasks such as legal research, collecting data/information, and blog posts. Attended events and meetings regarding current events/projects and issues within the healthcare industry.

Legal Research Data Collection Event Participation Legal Support Communication

Systemic Lawyering Corps Member

Systems Summer Institute

Jun 2020 - Jul 2020 (1 month)

Participated as a Systemic Lawyering Corps Member. Engaged in activities focused on systemic approaches to legal issues.

Systemic Lawyering Legal Theory Policy Development Advocacy Legal Research Problem Solving Critical Thinking

Legal Assistant/Paralegal

Garrey, Woner, Hoffmaster & Peshek, P.C.

Sep 2017 - Jul 2019 (1 year 10 months)

Provided legal assistant and paralegal support to attorneys. Assisted with various legal tasks and administrative duties.

Legal Support Paralegal Legal Research Administrative Support Client Communication Legal Documentation

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Arizona State University

B.S., Political Science

Grade: summa cum laude

Activities and societies: Junior Fellows Program – Professor Sarah Shair-Rosenfield (Spring 2016)

Graduated summa cum laude with a focus on political science. Engaged in the Junior Fellows Program, contributing to academic research.

The George Washington University Law School

J.D., Health Law

Activities and societies: Journal of Energy & Environmental Law; If/When/How (Reproductive Health Coordinator); People’s Parity Project (Co-Founder/Executive Board Member); Student Animal Legal Defense Fund; Equal Justice Foundation

Focused on health law, gaining expertise in legal frameworks surrounding healthcare. Participated in various legal organizations and activities, including the Journal of Energy & Environmental Law and People's Parity Project.