Gabrielle Crisp, a family law paralegal working in a small one-attorney firm, transitioned into paralegal work without legal experience and earned Paralegal of the Year within three years through commitment to professional development, NALS certification, and mastering organizational skills essential for small-firm practice. Her journey demonstrates that paralegal success depends more on adaptability, people skills, and continuous learning than on formal legal education.
Gabrielle Crisp stumbled upon the legal field by accident and fell in love with the fast-paced environment she found in the law firm that hired her. As a family law paralegal supporting a small, one-attorney firm in Springfield, Missouri, she took on more responsibility than might be customary in larger firms with several paralegals. Even though she had worked in the field for only three years at the time of this interview, she was honored with the 2017 Paralegal of the Year award from the Springfield Area Legal Support Professionals Group.
Her story offers valuable insights for anyone considering a paralegal career, particularly those entering the field without legal experience or those wondering what it takes to excel in a small-firm environment.
How She Entered the Paralegal Field
When Gabrielle became a paralegal, she had no experience whatsoever in the legal field. She had extensive experience as a personal assistant with skills in calendaring and corresponding with various types of people. A friend-of-a-friend connection led her to meet the attorney she works for now. Once they met, they realized they’d actually gone to high school together—a small-world connection that opened the door to her legal career.
“I’ve been interested in the legal field for a while,” Gabrielle explains. “I watched my grandmother, who was poor by American standards, struggle with things that were unfair, legally, that happened to her. I remember when I was in high school, wishing that I had a way to help her. In that way, I was interested in the justice side of the law. I didn’t pursue it—I didn’t think about being a lawyer, I didn’t even think about being a paralegal before the opportunity presented itself to me.”
Her first impression of legal work was memorable. “When I saw my first pleading, I wondered, ‘what’s up with all the parentheses?'” she recalls. “You know, the header has closed parentheses down the center of the document. I thought, ‘That’s so funny—why don’t they just do a line?’ Some people do; they’ve updated it for computer processing and made it a little more current. But I just remember thinking that was funny.”
Gabrielle was fortunate to receive a month of training with the paralegal before her. In her office, it’s just her and one attorney—a small firm structure that shapes her entire work experience. This arrangement differs significantly from larger family law practices where responsibilities are more specialized.
Continuing Education and NALS Certification
Despite entering the field without legal training, Gabrielle doesn’t have any regrets about what she wishes she’d known beforehand. “I can’t think of anything I wish I had known about the field, because I didn’t know anything going in,” she says. Instead, she found tremendous value in education after starting her career.
“I’ve really enjoyed the education classes that I’ve taken through NALS (Association for Legal Professionals),” Gabrielle explains. “I did both the legal training course and took my exam to become a paralegal. I ended up with two different certifications from them.”
Gabrielle earned the ALP (Accredited Legal Professional) beginner-level credential and then advanced to take the test for the CLP (Certified Legal Professional) certification. “Spending the time studying and listening to speakers for that has been crazy helpful, insightful, and eye-opening to other perspectives,” she explains. “You know, being in a single-person firm, I don’t have other people to bounce things off of, I don’t have other perspectives, so the classes have been hugely helpful.”
Certification Update: At the time of this interview, NALS offered the CLP (Certified Legal Professional) certification. NALS has since updated its certification structure. The current advanced paralegal certification is now called PP (Professional Paralegal), while ALP (Accredited Legal Professional) remains the entry-level credential. Both certifications Gabrielle earned demonstrate the same level of professional achievement and continuing education commitment valued by employers today. Learn more about current paralegal certification options and requirements.
Her commitment to professional development extended beyond NALS. “Each state has its own family law association,” Gabrielle notes. “Every year they have a family law conference, and I’ve been going to that for the past three years. I even went when I was on maternity leave. I still went because it’s just so helpful. It’s not really for paralegals per se, but it’s still helpful.”
Learning Through Court Observation
One aspect of Gabrielle’s training proved particularly valuable: direct court exposure. “One thing that has been really helpful—when I was still learning, my attorney would take me to court for routine hearings,” she explains. “He has also let me sit in on some trials. Understanding not just the paperwork that I do or working with the client, when you get to seeing the whole process—why you do what you do and how it affects the whole process—what the judge says when they see some of the things that you produced—that was very helpful, very eye-opening.”
She emphasizes the importance of this experience: “I don’t know if it’s common for attorneys to do this with paralegals, but if I ever switch jobs and move to a different county, I would ask my attorney if I could accompany them to court so I could get a good feel for the system. If I ever get a new job or go someplace else, I would definitely ask that, because of the difference it made for me.”
The Reality of Day-to-Day Paralegal Work
What makes paralegal work engaging, according to Gabrielle, is its constant variety. “Even though it’s the same type of work that you do every day, it’s different almost every day,” she explains. “Here’s one of the things I really like about it—there’s always something new to learn. There’s an infinite amount of learning to do because you can always go a little bit deeper, get a little better, get a little more understanding about what you’re doing, and learn how to make it better. That’s one of the things I love the most about what I do. It’s never dull.”
However, she’s honest about the challenges. “Now, don’t get me wrong, it can get a little overwhelming at times,” she acknowledges. “Probably what I like least is having to tell people I can’t help them. It’s really hard as a paralegal not to offer legal advice—it’s an absolute no-no to give any legal advice as a paralegal. People call, and they’re so desperate for help right away, and I can’t help them, and that’s really hard.”
Challenges and Difficult Aspects
Not every aspect of paralegal work comes naturally to everyone. Gabrielle identifies discovery as a particularly challenging area for her personally. “The things about the job that are harder or less enjoyable for me are probably personality things,” she notes. “For me, the aspect of discovery is a little bit overwhelming. It’s more challenging for me. But for the girl who trained me, it was one of the most enjoyable things that she did. That’s just a personality difference, I think.”
The discovery process presents unique challenges. “The girl who replaced me while I was on maternity leave had the most questions about the discovery process—deadlines, objections, filling out the questions correctly, trying to convey to the client who has no idea what things are, and you only have thirty days to do it,” Gabrielle explains. “It can be overwhelming for the client, but it’s kind of part of the process. It can be hard for me because it’s very overwhelming for the client, because it’s difficult to see people who are already in a hard situation become overwhelmed.”
Personality Traits for Paralegal Success
Working in a small firm, Gabrielle wears many hats. “I function as a receptionist, paralegal, office manager—everything but the attorney,” she says. “My attorney does a lot of the financial stuff, but I’m in charge of getting supplies ordered, contacting repair people when there’s an issue. I feel like my situation is unique in that regard, but multi-tasking is important.”
People skills emerge as critical. “My attorney really appreciates that because people have left positive reviews and specifically mentioned me,” Gabrielle notes. “Having a kind and understanding nature is important because anytime you need an attorney, it’s usually because something bad has happened or is about to happen. Trying to remember that and having kindness towards people in general is important. They are usually coming to you in their worst moment, and they’re not the best version of themselves. Allow things to brush off you—water off a duck’s back. Being able to listen and being able to know when it’s time to say, ‘okay, I have to get going and start working on this other thing’ is critical.”
Organizational skills are non-negotiable. “People skills are very, very important for paralegals. Calendaring skills are incredibly important,” Gabrielle emphasizes. “There are very few paralegals in family law who aren’t responsible for their attorney’s calendar. That is an absolute huge thing.”
Her boss emphasizes the stakes: “My boss often says, ‘Just about every mistake we make is fixable except for calendars,'” she recalls. “If we miss a date, if we miss a deadline, you can’t fix that. You have to be perfect on the calendar. He says, ‘If anything wakes you up at night, it should be wondering if you got the calendar right.’ Believe it or not, that has woken me up at night, and I have wondered if I missed something on the calendar. That is a huge, huge thing. Learning to be organized, setting reminders,and keeping track of things is a huge part of that. I’d say having an organized, Type A personality is helpful in the paralegal field.”
Understanding the Stress Level
Gabrielle doesn’t sugarcoat the stress involved in paralegal work. “I do think the paralegal field is more stressful than other fields,” she acknowledges. “In one point in my early twenties, I’d had as many jobs as I was old—I’ve done a lot. This is by far the most challenging job, which is why I like it so much. It’s a lot of responsibility. You’re never just working on one thing. Sometimes we’ll have a caseload of thirty to forty clients at once. They’re not all going to trial on the same day, but it’s so much to balance.”
She contrasts it with previous positions: “The job I had previously as a personal assistant, I was balancing a lot, and I thought that was insane. But this is more,” she explains. “The consequences of messing up in the paralegal field are a big deal. It’s not because there’s more to do, it’s because the consequences of not being accurate are more severe.”
Those interested in understanding the full scope of paralegal stress and responsibilities should read what current paralegals wish they knew before starting.
How the Profession Has Changed
In the three years Gabrielle worked in the field at the time of this interview, she observed gradual but significant changes. “The law is always changing,” she notes. “The Supreme Court has passed a few things that have affected family court—same-sex marriage, specifically. It’ll take some time, but it will eventually start to make a difference in how we practice law. It’s kind of a slow process.”
Technology adoption represented a major shift at that time: “For example, when I first started three years ago, everyone was still paper filing, and e-filing had just started,” Gabrielle recalls. “Now the whole state is all e-filing. That has had some positive and negative impacts, especially in the smaller towns, as it was overwhelming for them. Just this last week, I filed something for an office on the day they started e-filing, and they didn’t know what happened to it. It has changed, but I think it’s slow to feel the effect. The changes aren’t huge; it happens in such an incremental way that it doesn’t feel like a sudden change.”
Technology Update: E-filing is now the standard throughout Missouri’s court system. What was emerging technology in 2017 is now a routine practice for all legal professionals. Today’s paralegals should be comfortable with electronic case management systems, cloud-based document storage, and virtual court appearances—technologies that have become essential to legal practice.
Advice for Aspiring Paralegals
For those considering a paralegal career, Gabrielle offers practical guidance. “I would say there’s a pretty big learning curve,” she explains. “It took me six months or more before I really felt like I wasn’t drowning. It took that long for me to feel like, okay, I actually have a good grasp of what I’m doing and how to do it well.”
Her most important advice: “Be patient with yourself,” she emphasizes. “My boss wrote me a note, and I have it on my computer. He wrote it within the first few weeks after I started, and I still have it where I can see it. He said, ‘Go slow and be accurate.'”
“It’s really easy to just get overwhelmed and just kind of back up, take a deep breath, and be patient with yourself,” Gabrielle advises. “Had I known about the NALS organization and taken those legal training courses in the beginning or even had a book to read prior to starting, since I was coming into it without any real experience, that would have been very helpful just to have an idea about the different aspects of law.”
Finding a mentor proves crucial. “I think it’s important to find somebody else in your field and in your town that you can reach out to and can call on with questions,” Gabrielle recommends. “I found one paralegal in one of the very first cases I worked—she was actually on the opposing counsel’s side. But she has been so amazingly helpful. She is a veteran of the field. I would call her every now and again with questions and ask ‘What do I do with this?’ and she would absolutely help me. Just having one person at least that I could call on for help and wouldn’t make me feel foolish was important.”
Understanding the role’s diversity matters. “I didn’t know that you wore so many hats as a paralegal,” she reflects. “I didn’t know that it wasn’t just doing research for an attorney. It’s not at all what you see on TV. I hardly do any research. If I do any research, it’s on my own, and I’m just looking up local court rules. I work in a really tiny, one-man band; it’s not at all a big city firm, so I wear all the different hats of mail service, letter writing, drafting pleadings, keeping up with the calendar, and ordering supplies.”
The Paralegal of the Year Award
“I’m part of the Springfield Area Legal Association, which is the local chapter of NALS, and I was extremely honored to earn the Paralegal of the Year award in 2017 in my chapter,” Gabrielle shares. “That was such a huge honor. My boss was the one who nominated me. I have just been floored and honored to be recognized with that award after only three years in the field.”
Paralegal Career Outlook in Missouri
For those considering a paralegal career in Missouri, the employment outlook remains positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Missouri’s paralegal profession shows steady growth and competitive compensation.
Missouri Paralegal Employment Projections (2022-2032)
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| 2022 Employment Base | 5,990 paralegals |
| 2032 Projected Employment | 6,310 paralegals |
| Total Job Growth | 320 new positions |
| Growth Rate | 5.3% |
| Average Annual Openings | 650 positions |
Note: These are the most recent BLS projections available, based on 2022 baseline data with forecasts through 2032.
Paralegal Salaries in Missouri (2024 Data)
Salary ranges vary significantly based on experience level, geographic location, and practice area specialization. Here’s what paralegals can expect to earn across Missouri:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (10th percentile) | $37,400 | $17.98 |
| Early Career (25th percentile) | $45,590 | $21.92 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $58,730 | $28.24 |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | $71,310 | $34.28 |
| Senior Level (90th percentile) | $84,610 | $40.68 |
| State Average | $60,260 | $28.97 |
Springfield, Missouri Paralegal Salaries
For those specifically interested in the Springfield area where Gabrielle practices, the local market shows the following compensation data:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (10th percentile) | $37,400 | $17.98 |
| Early Career (25th percentile) | $44,200 | $21.25 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $48,120 | $23.14 |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | $60,950 | $29.30 |
| Senior Level (90th percentile) | $78,880 | $37.93 |
| Springfield Average | $54,990 | $26.44 |
Springfield employs approximately 480 paralegals, making it a moderate-sized market with steady opportunities. For comprehensive information about paralegal careers, education requirements, and certification options in Missouri, visit our Missouri Paralegal Career Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become a paralegal without a law degree?
Yes, you can become a paralegal without a law degree. Gabrielle Crisp entered the field with no legal experience and succeeded through on-the-job training, formal paralegal education, and NALS certification. Most paralegals have certificate programs or associate degrees rather than law degrees. Many successful paralegals start with transferable skills from other fields, like administrative work or customer service.
Is NALS certification required to become a paralegal in Missouri?
No, NALS certification is not required in Missouri, as the state doesn’t mandate paralegal certification. However, voluntary certifications like NALS (ALP and PP, formerly CLP) significantly enhance your credibility, provide valuable education, and demonstrate professional commitment to employers. Many paralegals pursue certification for career advancement and professional development rather than a legal requirement.
How long does it take to feel comfortable as a paralegal?
According to Gabrielle’s experience, expect a learning curve of six months or more before feeling confident in your paralegal role. This timeline allows you to learn firm procedures, understand legal terminology, master case management software, and develop working relationships with attorneys and clients. The learning curve varies based on your prior experience, the complexity of your practice area, and the quality of training you receive.
What personality types succeed as paralegals?
Successful paralegals typically have Type A personalities with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask. Essential traits include excellent people skills, patience under pressure, the ability to maintain composure with difficult clients, and meticulous calendar management abilities. You should be comfortable with responsibility, able to work independently, and committed to continuous learning. Empathy and professional boundaries are equally important when working with clients during difficult life situations.
What’s the difference between ALP and PP certifications from NALS?
ALP (Accredited Legal Professional) is NALS’ entry-level certification designed for those new to the legal field or with limited experience. PP (Professional Paralegal, formerly called CLP) is an advanced certification requiring more experience and demonstrating higher-level competency in legal procedures, ethics, and professional skills. Most paralegals start with ALP and advance to PP as they gain experience, as Gabrielle did in her career progression.
How much do paralegals earn in Springfield, Missouri?
According to 2024 BLS data, paralegals in Springfield, Missouri, earn a median salary of $48,120 annually ($23.14 per hour). Entry-level paralegals start around $37,400, while experienced paralegals in the 90th percentile earn up to $78,880 annually. The Springfield area average is $54,990 per year. Salaries vary based on experience, specialization, firm size, and additional certifications.
What’s the most stressful part of being a paralegal?
Calendar management and deadline tracking create the highest stress levels for paralegals because missed deadlines can’t be fixed and may result in serious consequences for clients’ cases. Additionally, managing emotional clients during difficult situations, handling discovery deadlines, and balancing 30-40 active cases simultaneously contribute to job stress. However, many paralegals find the challenge rewarding and appreciate the variety and responsibility the role provides.
Do small firms offer better opportunities than large firms for new paralegals?
Small firms offer broader exposure to different aspects of legal work, as paralegals often handle everything from reception to complex case management. You’ll learn more quickly and gain diverse skills, but you’ll also have more responsibility and less mentorship from other paralegals. Large firms provide more specialized roles, structured training programs, and colleagues to learn from, but less variety in daily tasks. The best choice depends on your learning style and career goals.
Key Takeaways
- You don’t need legal experience to start: Gabrielle entered the field with only administrative and customer service skills, proving that transferable abilities like organization and people skills matter more than legal knowledge when beginning a paralegal career.
- Expect a six-month learning curve: Even with training, plan for at least six months before feeling confident in your paralegal role. Be patient with yourself during this period and focus on accuracy over speed.
- Professional certification adds tremendous value: NALS certifications (ALP and PP, formerly CLP) provide essential knowledge, professional credibility, and networking opportunities, especially important for paralegals in small firms without multiple colleagues for guidance.
- Calendar management is your most critical responsibility: Unlike most mistakes, which can be corrected, missed deadlines and court dates can’t be fixed. Meticulous calendar management and deadline tracking are non-negotiable skills for paralegal success.
- Small firms require wearing multiple hats: In one-attorney practices, paralegals handle reception, office management, supply ordering, client relations, and case management in addition to traditional paralegal duties. Adaptability and multitasking abilities are essential.
- Finding a mentor accelerates your learning: Having an experienced paralegal you can call with questions provides invaluable support during your first years. Don’t hesitate to build professional relationships with colleagues, even from opposing counsel.
- The work is stressful but rewarding: Paralegal work carries significant responsibility with serious consequences for errors, but the variety, intellectual challenge, and ability to help clients make it highly satisfying for those with the right personality and skills.
- Missouri offers solid career opportunities: With 5.3% projected job growth, 650 average annual openings, and median salaries around $58,730 statewide, Missouri provides stable career prospects for qualified paralegals across various practice areas.
Ready to Start Your Paralegal Career in Missouri?
Explore ABA-approved paralegal programs, certification options, and career resources to begin your journey to a rewarding legal career.
Editor’s Note: This interview was originally conducted in late 2017, shortly after Gabrielle Crisp won Springfield, Missouri’s Paralegal of the Year award. At that time, she had three years of experience in family law practice. While the core insights about entering the paralegal profession, essential skills, and certification pathways remain valuable and applicable today, some references reflect 2017 conditions (such as the early adoption of e-filing, which is now standard throughout Missouri). This article has been updated in December 2025 with current 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data and employment projections. For comprehensive current information about Missouri’s paralegal profession, see our Missouri Paralegal Career Guide.
Salary Disclaimer: 2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market figures for Paralegals and Legal Assistants reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed December 2025.
