Nelson is a tenth-generation Coloradan. He received his undergraduate degree with honors from The University of Northern Colorado with a major in journalism. He received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law—where he served as Articles Editor of the law review and graduated among the top 10 students in his class.

Before moving to the Western Slope in 2020, Nelson held every job in a major Denver law firm that would eventually bear his name: Levin Sitcoff Waneka PC. Prior to law school, he started as the firm's receptionist before being promoted to a file clerk and then a paralegal.

Following law school, Nelson clerked for Judge Diana Terry of the Colorado Court of Appeals, where he assisted in the preparation of approximately 25 appellate opinions. After his judicial clerkship, Nelson returned as an associate attorney to the law firm where he started his legal career. Eventually, Nelson became a named shareholder at the same firm where he started as a receptionist many years earlier.

Over the course of 19 years, Nelson gained experience in running every aspect of an industry-leading law firm. Nelson has personally handled hundreds of insurance and injury cases—resulting in well over $100,000,000 in recoveries for his clients. He's successfully tried many cases to verdict. And he's handled approximately 100 appeals in Colorado state and federal courts—resulting in a large number of landmark decisions that changed Colorado law for the better.