Kaitlin Gapen, though most know her as Katy, is a licensed Arizona Legal Paraprofessional (LP), fully authorized to provide legal advice and representation in most family law matters - similar to an Arizona divorce attorney. Licensed by the State Bar of Arizona, LP’s are a groundbreaking addition to the legal field. The LP licensure is comparable to how a nurse practitioner operates in medicine, offering accessible and knowledge legal services.

Katy is a proud Arizona native and the only girl in a family of five brothers, which taught her early on to be tough, empathetic, and quick on her feet. Katy has been immersed in family law since November 2019. Katy has had some of the best opportunities to work for well experienced attorneys and legal professionals in the state since then.

Although Katy has not personally experienced divorce or raised children of her own, she gained a deep, firsthand understanding of the emotional and practical challenges families face when her parents divorced during her teenage years. Living through that transition at the age of sixteen has profoundly shaped her compassionate and empathetic approach to Family Law. Katy has learned by working in the field of Family Law that emotional intelligence, resilience, and the right support system can make all the difference in one’s life.

As a paralegal, Katy contributed to a case over several years which culminated in the recent appellate decision. Working on this case was one of the many turning points as a paralegal where she felt compelled to do more—not only for herself, but for others. Assisting others at such a difficult time in their lives is a deeply rewarding process, even though at times it is more than trying.

In the fall of 2022, Katy decided to take on a new professional challenge by pursuing licensure as a Legal Paraprofessional in Family Law. While continuing to work full-time as a paralegal, Katy attended night classes for a year and a half to complete her education. In May 2024, Katy earned an Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal Studies from Phoenix College. After studying and meeting her testing and qualification requirements, Katy became a licensed Legal Paraprofessional in May of 2025.


Outside the office, Katy lives by the motto “work hard, play hard.” Katy believes in enjoying life to the fullest and always having the mindset of being open to trying something new. Katy grew up competing in rodeo events across the state and looks forward to getting back to competing now that she has some more time on her hands. You can always count on Katy to have music playing wherever she may be ----- at home, in the car, and even at her desk.

Over the years, Katy has worked behind the scenes—preparing case files, answering late-night emails and calls, organizing trial binders, and supporting attorneys and clients. Katy finds that the most rewarding part has always been hearing that she has made a difference in someone’s life, even in a small way. Katy’s approach in handling family law matters is empathetic, and she strives to have a practical outcome for her clients. Katy would like her clients to feel confident in looking forward to the new chapter of stability in their life.