Marilyn Nelson has been a member of the California State Bar since 1988, and a partner at the law firm, Zukor and Nelson, specializing in personal injury litigation, since 1995. From 1994 – 1998, Ms. Nelson served as a Volunteer Arbitrator, hearing cases ordered to arbitration, and issuing written arbitration awards. From 1999-2005, Ms. Nelson served as a Judge Pro Tem for the Los Angeles Superior Court, presiding over traffic arraignments, traffic trials and small claims cases. Ms. Nelson was a Board Member of Women Lawyers of Los Angeles from 1996-2006; she served as the Chair of the Domestic Violence Committee from 1998 – 2006.
In 2005, Ms. Nelson received the American Bar Association Difference Makers Award. Ms. Nelson has served as a Board of Rights Hearing Officer since 2007.