Sophie Patten-Ostergard
Denver,CO
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Undergraduate Student Intern
Korey Wise Innocence Project
Boulder, CO
06.2025 - Current
- Conducted case reviews to identify wrongful conviction factors and evidentiary gaps.
- Researched case law and procedural rules to support post-conviction relief motions.
- Collaborated with incarcerated clients on legal advocacy and prison reform initiatives.
- Ensured authentic representation of incarcerated individuals in legal and policy discussions.
- Supervised and mentored high school interns on justice-oriented research tasks.
Research Fellow
Social Movements Support Lab
Denver, CO
04.2024 - Current
- Led donor and opposition research to expose anti-decarceration influence in California elections.
- Translated lived experiences of impacted individuals into actionable legal and policy briefs.
- Developed research tools for community organizations to monitor political spending.
- Wrote memos to advance community-driven public safety strategies in Richmond, CA.
Legislative Intern
Senator Julie Gonzales
Denver, US
01.2025 - 05.2025
- Drafted legal memos, floor statements, and policy briefs to support legislative action.
- Conducted statutory and policy analysis to inform strategy on criminal legal reforms.
- Coordinated stakeholder engagement across legal, advocacy, and grassroots networks.
- Contributed to the successful enactment of SB25-155, institutionalizing inside-out lawmaking.
Policy Intern
AHA Foundation
Denver, US
09.2023 - 04.2024
- Tracked and analyzed legislation related to gender-based violence and human rights.
- Secured bipartisan support for anti-FGM bills in states lacking protective laws.
- Framed advocacy goals to align with diverse political values and gain broad support.
- Attended and coordinated legislative meetings with senior officials and policymakers.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Public Policy
University of Denver
Denver, CO06.2026
Bachelor of Arts - Socio-Legal Studies
University of Denver
Denver, CO06.2026
Minor - International Studies
University of Denver
Denver, CO06-2026
Skills
- Team building and collaboration
- Legal research and analysis
- Client advocacy
- Stakeholder engagement
- Legislative drafting
- Communication and negotiation
- Policy analysis
- Evidence gathering
- Legal drafting and summaries
- Statutory interpretation
- Data analysis
- Time management
Accomplishments
- Dean's List
- Member of Honor Society
- DU Writing Program: Popular Genre Exemplar Award
- CAS: Most Encouraging to Others Award
- Letter of Recognition from Senate President and Majority Leader
- Warm Cookies of the Revolution Volunteer
- Food Handlers Certified
- Lifeguard and CPR Certified
- Warm Cookies of the Revolution Volunteer
- Barista and Food Runner
Timeline
Undergraduate Student Intern
Korey Wise Innocence Project
06.2025 - Current
Legislative Intern
Senator Julie Gonzales
01.2025 - 05.2025
Research Fellow
Social Movements Support Lab
04.2024 - Current
Policy Intern
AHA Foundation
09.2023 - 04.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Public Policy
University of Denver
Bachelor of Arts - Socio-Legal Studies
University of Denver
Minor - International Studies
University of Denver
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