Charting A New Course: How Elizabeth Catalan Found Her Path As A Paralegal

Starting a new career can feel overwhelming, but with curiosity, confidence, and the right support, it can also be a transformative experience. In this interview, Modern Family Law’s Fort Collins Paralegal Elizabeth Catalan shares how she pivoted from a tech background into family law. Speaking with Caroline Germano, our Marketing & Communications Manager, Liz opens up about the lessons she has learned, the skills that helped her succeed, and the advice she’d give anyone considering a career in law.

Starting The Journey: From Tech To Family Law

Caroline Germano: This is your first role as a paralegal, both at Modern Family Law and in your overall career. What motivated you to pursue this position, and what inspired you to take on the role of a paralegal?

Liz Catalan: It’s a pretty interesting story. I had a friend who worked at Modern Family Law, and during a period when I was out of work after being laid off from the tech industry, I noticed he was always posting on LinkedIn about how much he loved working here. He spoke so highly of the company culture and the supportive environment. I came across an operations role and decided to apply, but it turned out I was not quite the right fit for that specific position.

However, Karlee and Romario, who was the Paralegal Manager at the time, asked if I would consider a paralegal role instead. Although I did not have direct experience, I possessed a range of transferable skills and was open to learning. The recruiter reached back out and expressed interest in interviewing me for a paralegal position. Even though it was not what I initially had in mind, I figured, ‘Why not?’ I was already looking to make a career change.

I went through the interview process for the paralegal role in Fort Collins and connected with Karlee. That strong connection, along with the opportunity to grow, made me feel confident about stepping into this new path.

Caroline Germano: And during the interview, did it feel like the role aligned with what you were looking for and where you were in your career?

Liz Catalan: Yes, and when the recruiter brought it up, they mentioned that the paralegal role might be a better fit for me. They pointed out that I’m organized and driven, and that the responsibilities overlapped quite a bit with my background as an executive assistant, which I had been doing for nearly a decade before joining Modern Family Law. They also noted that the role would be more fast-paced, which appealed to me. Honestly, I was already on board. When the recruiter called and asked if I would consider becoming a paralegal, I immediately said yes. After he explained the role in more detail, I was even more excited. So, it was a very easy decision to make that pivot.

Caroline Germano: Were you expecting to work in the law industry?

Liz Catalan: Not at all. I never envisioned myself working in a specific industry like medical or legal. I did spend many years in administrative roles, so some of those skills carry over. But becoming a paralegal was never something I expected.

A Career Built On Transferable Skills

Caroline Germano: Can you share a bit more about your background and the kind of work you were doing before you became a paralegal and joined the firm?

Liz Catalan: Sure. I spent eight years as a Senior Executive Assistant in the tech industry, supporting C-level executives, including the CEO, CFO, CTO, and COO, in my most recent role. Before that, I worked for the President of a logistics and warehousing company. I have had the opportunity to work across a variety of industries—everything from the bridal industry in an operations role to managing a virtual office, and even working in forensic accounting, which I suppose is somewhat adjacent to the legal field, since the firm often served as expert witnesses.

Throughout my career, I have worked closely with many CEOs and Presidents, which has made me highly skilled in scheduling, coordinating meetings, managing communication, and handling an endless stream of emails. Most of my experience is rooted in administrative support and essentially keeping people’s professional lives organized and running smoothly.

Caroline Germano: So that’s likely what the recruiters recognized that your skill set could easily translate into the legal field and support you in your role as a paralegal today, right?

Liz Catalan: I would say so, yes. I had worked with the person who recommended the role for years, and he had always spoken highly of family law and the firm. So it was easy for me to trust his perspective when he said it was a great place to work. It also made sense that he could confidently say my skills would translate well, since he had seen me operate in an environment that was both similar and different in certain ways.

Caroline Germano: Working with CEOs and CFOs must have come with a lot of pressure. I imagine that required a high level of organization and the ability to manage a lot at once, right?

Liz Catalan: A major part of my role involved coordinating schedules, especially since the executives were often in meetings at different times. Getting them all in the same room was a challenge in itself, especially with team members spread across the globe in places like Israel, Paris, Portugal, and Vancouver. Organizing quarterly meetings with everyone was one of the biggest tasks I managed. On top of that, I was constantly adjusting their schedules, making sure they had meals, even handling things like grocery shopping. I also managed their emails and often communicated on their behalf. It was a lot to juggle, but that experience made the transition into a paralegal role much smoother. I had already been managing multiple responsibilities for several people at once, so stepping into this position felt like a natural progression.

Entering The Legal Field: Challenges & Surprises

Caroline Germano: What has your experience been like starting your first job as a paralegal?

Liz Catalan: I think the easiest part for me was working on a computer and learning new software. I’ve done that over and over throughout my career. Once you’ve learned one scheduling platform or CRM, you can pretty much adapt to any of them; the interfaces tend to be very intuitive.

The real challenge was shifting from managing someone else’s day-to-day life to drafting legal documents and keeping track of deadlines for around 40 clients. That required a completely different mindset. I had to slow down and focus on precision, rather than staying in constant motion with phone calls, emails, and texts like I did as an executive assistant.

It was a welcome change, but at first, I had moments where I wondered, ‘Am I doing enough?’ because the pace and type of work felt so different.

Caroline Germano: When you first started in your role, did you have any expectations about what the job would be like? And how did your experience compare to what you had envisioned?

Liz Catalan: I came into the role with zero expectations. My mindset was simply to bring the skills I already had, acknowledge what I did not know, and stay open to learning. I do not want to say it was all about being humble, but I did approach the job with humility, recognizing that I was stepping into an entirely new field. I knew I could type, navigate computer systems, and communicate well with people, so I leaned into those strengths.

Beyond that, I committed to learning everything I could with grace and doing my best to absorb what was relevant. I also understood that every paralegal works a bit differently, just like every attorney. I was lucky to learn from Karlee and Selena Salinas, who is now a Senior LLP. They both have such a meticulous, detail-oriented approach, and working closely with them taught me to really comb through everything carefully, which helped ease the transition.

If I had any expectations, it was just the awareness that working with someone as experienced and accomplished as Karlee meant I needed to step up, be self-aware, and ask questions. So in that way, yes, the experience met my expectations, even though I intentionally came in without setting specific ones for myself.

One thing that helped me manage my expectations during the transition was taking time to read through forums where attorneys and paralegals shared insights. I would ask questions like, ‘As a new paralegal, what can I do to be successful?’ or ‘What do you expect from someone who is new to the role or has never worked as a paralegal before?’

What stood out the most was the consistent message: ask questions. Attorneys emphasized that their license is on the line, and more importantly, so are our clients’ lives. They wanted to be confident that I understood what I was doing, and asking questions was the key to building that trust. That stuck with me. If I took only one thing away from those conversations, it was that asking questions is essential.

Caroline Germano: You may have encountered a few challenges when you first started. What would you say was the biggest learning curve you faced during those initial weeks?

Liz Catalan: The biggest learning curve for me was getting familiar with the language used in family law. Once you grasp that, it becomes easier to understand legal terminology in general. For example, even though I have no background in criminal law, I can now read and somewhat interpret a motion from that area just because I’ve become more comfortable with legal language overall.

It felt like learning a new language. I had to figure out what terms like ‘CMO’, which stands for Case Management Order, meant, what actions were associated with them, and how to respond when I came across certain terms. There are all these small words that, once you learn them, instantly signal action steps. That aspect was probably the most challenging part for me in the beginning.

Lessons From The Past, Applied To The Present

Caroline Germano: You touched on this a bit already, but are there any specific skills, lessons, or experiences from your previous roles that helped you as you transitioned into the paralegal position?

Liz Catalan: I would say the biggest lesson I’ve learned is to approach everything with an understanding that there is often ambiguity, especially in family law. The law can be very gray, except when it is not, but even when something seems black and white, there can still be different ways to interpret or approach it. That is why clarification is so important.

Since I am not an attorney and did not go to law school, I have always embraced the mindset that there are no dumb questions. And I have never been made to feel like any question I asked was silly, even when I answered it myself mid-sentence, like asking the difference between a joint position statement and a position statement.

The key is to find a supportive team and someone more experienced whom you can go to with your questions. When I first started, I asked Selena questions all day long. She was incredibly helpful, and now I try to pay it forward when new people join. My biggest advice is: ask questions. It is better to ask and learn than to make a mistake you could have avoided. And if you do mess up, you will learn from it and likely never make that same mistake again.

Inside A Day In The Life Of A Paralegal

Caroline Germano: I’m sure this has evolved since you first started, but now that you’ve been with us for over a year, what does a typical day look like for you as a paralegal?

Liz Catalan: That depends on the current caseload, but generally, my day starts with coffee, always coffee first. Then I sit down at my computer and begin by checking my emails to identify anything urgent. I determine whether it’s something I need to handle personally or if it should be passed along to Alex. I also review whether we completed everything we planned the day before, or if any follow-up is needed.

Typically, I send my attorney a message on Slack outlining key tasks and upcoming deadlines. I include what I need from them and by when, as well as what I will be delivering and when. It helps keep us aligned and ensures we are on the same page. From there, my attorney might respond with updates, like if something was already sent or if a case has closed and no longer requires attention.

After that, I dive into drafting documents, calling or texting clients, scheduling meetings, and making sure clients attend their scheduled appointments. I also remind Alex of any time-sensitive tasks and check the calendar for upcoming deadlines to stay organized. If there is an MSM (Monday Status Meeting) that day, I may skip some of those initial planning steps since we will be reviewing every case together later on anyway.

Caroline Germano: Wow, that sounds like a lot to manage. Do you ever accompany attorneys to court?

Liz Catalan: Sometimes I join court appearances via video, mostly out of curiosity, just to observe how exhibits are used or how the hearing unfolds. Since many appearances are virtual now, it is easier to sit in occasionally. I will shadow attorneys from time to time, but there is generally no need for me to attend court in person with them.

For one, we would have to bill the client for both my time and the attorney’s, which is not cost-effective. Also, while the attorney is in court for several hours, I usually have other tasks I need to focus on. So, from both a time management and client billing perspective, it is not the best use of resources. That said, if it were ever requested, I would go. I do occasionally go to the courthouse to file documents, but I do not attend court with attorneys as part of my regular responsibilities.

Finding Joy In The Details

Caroline Germano: Are there any specific tasks or responsibilities you particularly enjoy in your role as a paralegal?

Liz Catalan: It depends on the day and the case. But overall, I really enjoy drafting documents. Lately, I have been making an effort to deepen my understanding of legal language, so I have started asking attorneys to share the specific rule related to what I am drafting. That way, I can read it, understand the reasoning behind it, and learn the correct terminology.

I am not someone who writes in a super flowery or elaborate way, so sometimes I feel like my drafting might fall a little short. But it is still one of my favorite parts of the job, especially when I send something to an attorney and they respond with, ‘This looks great, go ahead and file it.’ That feels like a win. Of course, everything needs attorney approval, and sometimes they make changes, and that is fine. It is all part of the learning process.

Collaboration & Culture At Fort Collins

Caroline Germano: You mentioned that when you first started, you leaned on Karlee and Selena for guidance. These days, how do you typically collaborate with attorneys and LLPs daily?

Liz Catalan: When I first started, some changes were happening with paralegal assignments, so I was initially paired with Karlee. Not long after, I began supporting another attorney with her entire caseload, and then I took on all of Alex Jennings’ cases as well. So I ended up managing a large number of cases and collaborating with several different attorneys across the team.

In that kind of environment, it is really important to know what you do not know and be willing to ask for help. When your caseload is heavy, it is impossible to handle everything alone while still working efficiently and providing high-quality support to clients. So I would often ask things like, ‘Can you draft this quickly for me?’ or ‘Are you heading into the office? Could you put together a binder?’ or ‘Would you mind meeting with my client to drop something off?’ We all help each other out regularly.

As for LLPs, they operate a bit more independently because of the nature of their contracts, but when an attorney needs something and their paralegal is unavailable, the rest of us jump in where we can. That is just how we operate.

I would say the Fort Collins team is very close-knit. We are always checking in with each other, sharing templates, and offering help, especially when someone is working on something they have not done before. It is a very collaborative environment.

Caroline Germano: How has the team in Fort Collins supported you as a new paralegal?

Liz Catalan: I have to say, Karlee saw potential in me even before I joined the team; she specifically said she wanted me to work with her in Fort Collins. That made me feel supported and capable right from the beginning. With each new task I took on, even if I got parts of it right and others not quite right, my confidence grew a little more.

I always knew I could ask questions, but what helped even more was the encouragement I received. For example, Selena would say, ‘You do not need me for this, you’ve got it. Just give it a try and send it to me to review.’ That kind of support motivated me to take the initiative. I often found myself just diving into tasks first, then asking for feedback afterward, which was incredibly valuable.

The feedback and guidance come from everyone, and I would say our team is close-knit. No one ever makes you feel like you asked a dumb question, because, as you mentioned, there truly are no dumb questions in this field. We’re always lifting each other and supporting one another.

Training, Growth, & Paying It Forward

Caroline Germano: Since this is your first role as a paralegal, did you receive any specific training or have access to particular resources when you started?

Liz Catalan: Yes, the training on billing was especially helpful. I remember wondering things like, ‘What should I include? What is too much detail? What is not enough?’ I knew what I was doing, but I was not sure how much of that needed to be communicated to the client. After all, they do not need an entire paragraph explaining my process; that is my responsibility, not theirs.

Learning how to bill properly really helped me organize and prioritize my tasks. It created a kind of snowball effect: once I understood what I should be billing for, I became more aware of how to phrase my entries, what each task involved, and how everything connected.

Watching others in action was another valuable part of my training. Observing matter status meetings (MSMs), especially how Selena handled them, gave me clarity on what my role as a paralegal should be during those meetings, versus the attorney’s role. And over time, the more I participated, the more I learned.

Of course, making mistakes was a big part of the learning process, too. I remember Amy from the Learning and Development team saying often, ‘You’re going to make mistakes, and that’s okay.’ That stuck with me. The L&D team created a supportive environment where I felt it was safe not to know everything. And that’s something I now share with new paralegals, like Monica, who recently joined with no prior experience. When she worries about getting something wrong, I tell her, ‘You probably will. And that’s perfectly fine. Just draft it, and I’ll review it, make corrections, and walk you through what I changed.’

It’s a lot like teaching a kid to fry an egg for the first time; they will mess it up, and that is normal. So while the formal training was important, I have found that hands-on experience, making mistakes, and learning from them is where the real growth happens. And that is completely okay.

Caroline Germano: Would you say that when you help train new paralegals, you tend to follow the same approach that was used to train you, because it was so helpful and effective in your own experience?

Liz Catalan: Yes. I always encourage new paralegals to lean on the Learning and Development team and to ask questions, ask me, and if I do not have the answer, we can go to Karlee or whoever else might know. One of the most valuable things L&D provided me was a reference point for tasks I had not done yet but would eventually need to. It gave me something to go back to and review when the time came, so I could follow the correct steps.

Caroline Germano: Are there any other skills you hope to develop as you grow in your role?

Liz Catalan: I know for certain that I do not have every skill I could have, because I am not in my ‘final form’ when it comes to my career. There is always room to grow and something new to learn. I know that sounds a bit cliché, but it’s true.

One area where I have seen the most growth is in collaboration, communication, and especially delegation. Delegation was something I struggled with as an executive assistant. Back then, I felt like I could not hand tasks off because there was no one else to do them, or I would just end up redoing the work anyway.

Now, I am part of a team where delegation is not only possible but necessary. I never thought I would be good at handing off tasks, but here I am, regularly doing it, not because I do not want to do the work, but because I have extra bandwidth, and someone else may be looking to take on more. It has been a real shift for me and one of the most valuable areas of growth.

Advice For Future Paralegals

Caroline Germano: My last question is this: if someone is reading this interview and has never worked as a paralegal before but is considering it, what advice would you give them as they think about exploring this path?

Liz Catalan: The most common questions I get when I tell people I’m a paralegal are, ‘Oh, is it like Suits?’ or ‘Did you go to school for that?’ And the answer is no, I didn’t. That said, I am not suggesting that formal education is not valuable.

But I think the most important thing to remember when transitioning into any new industry, whether it is legal, medical, tech, or anything else, is that you are often more capable than you realize.

My biggest piece of advice is to give yourself credit, recognize what you do not know, and be willing to take the leap.

Conclusion

Elizabeth Catalan’s journey is proof that you don’t need a legal background to make an impact in family law. With openness, resilience, and support from a team that believes in her, Liz has flourished in a new career—and now mentors others starting the same path. Whether you’re considering a pivot or already on your paralegal journey, Liz’s story is a reminder to stay curious, ask questions, and trust in your ability to grow.