Jen dedicates her career to criminal defense. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Colorado in Denver and her law degree at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in 2006. During law school Jen focused on criminal defense and trial practice. She interned for the Colorado Public Defender's Denver Office for two years. The DU criminal defense clinic awarded Jen its Outstanding Student Lawyer Award for Criminal Representation.

After law school Jen worked at the Colorado Public Defender's Adams County Office as a trial attorney for over 15 years. In that position she became a lead trial attorney. She handled thousands of criminal cases and worked on many special projects. She mentored interns and young lawyers in trial practice, motions practice, and plea negotiations. She tried over 80 jury trials ranging from traffic cases to first degree murder. She trained lawyers regarding the complicated practice of defending juveniles facing adult court. Jen investigated and presented the mitigation of a capital case. Jen also handled complex post-conviction matters.

Jen is an active member of the legal community. She testified to the state legislature regarding sentencing reform. Jen is a member of the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, the Colorado Women's Bar Association, the Colorado Bar Association, and the Denver and Adams County Bar Associations. She has presented at many trainings for the Colorado Public Defender's Office. She was chosen to speak at many convenings for the Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth in Washington, DC.