Clarena Arbelaez is a California attorney who works with veterans and non-US citizens seeking post-conviction relief. Clarena Arbelaez serves as a staff attorney in the Immigrant Defenders Law Center’s Post-Conviction Relief Program in Los Angeles, California. Her practice includes representing veterans in criminal and immigration courts, USCIS proceedings, and matters before the California Pardon Office and the Office of the US Pardon Attorney.
Ms. Arbelaez prepares clients for hearings, reviews evidence, conducts legal research, and drafts filings tied to post-conviction relief. She has litigated more than 20 motions to vacate defective convictions across Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange, and San Diego Counties. She also has years of experience in criminal defense support. From 2010 to 2021, she worked with the Law Offices of David A. Elden, APC, where she helped prepare legal documents, organize trial materials, and assist Spanish-speaking clients. She later coordinated law office activity as an independent contractor before joining Immigrant Defenders Law Center.
Ms. Arbelaez earned her juris doctor from Purdue Global Law School in 2021 and is admitted to the State Bar of California. She is fluent in Spanish and has professional interests connected to veterans, deportation, and mental health care access for combat veterans.