Where did you go to school and what’s your educational background / degree?

Darla Junger:
I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and an Associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies from Kaplan University in 2008. Prior to earning my degree, I gained hands-on experience as a paralegal at a boutique family law firm in Denver.

Nikole Kastein Horner:
I graduated from Colorado State University in 2018 with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, concentrating in Criminal Justice, and a minor in Political Communication. During my senior year, I interned at the Colorado State Senate, which really sparked my interest in how laws are created and implemented. After graduation, I moved to Denver and became a legislative aide for a state representative in the Colorado Legislature. In that role, I essentially served as a chief of staff—responding to constituent questions and concerns, preparing bill briefs, and coordinating with stakeholders and other legislators. That experience gave me a strong foundation in understanding how policy decisions affect real people, which ultimately guided me toward the legal field.

Why did you decide to become paralegals?

Darla Junger:
Experiencing the pain and complexity of my own divorce inspired me to pursue a career as a paralegal. I understood firsthand how overwhelming and emotionally taxing the process can be, and I wanted to help others navigate it with compassion, clarity, and support. My goal has always been to make a meaningful difference during what is often one of the most difficult chapters in a person’s life.

Nikole Kastein Horner:
I started out in state politics, which I really loved because I care deeply about people and the issues that affect them. But politics can be tough—it’s easy to get emotionally invested, and sometimes it’s hard to see the direct results of your work. I wanted to do something where I could make a more immediate, personal difference. That’s what led me to become a paralegal.

​Why do you like being a paralegal?

Darla Junger:
The most rewarding part of being a paralegal is knowing my work makes a meaningful impact—empowering clients with knowledge so they feel informed and less overwhelmed. I also enjoy collaborating with attorneys and clients to solve problems and find practical solutions.

Nikole Kastein Horner:
What I love most about it is seeing the tangible impact we have on people’s lives, especially in family law—helping families through difficult times and knowing our work can make a difference that lasts for years.

What’s the most rewarding part of it?

Darla Junger:
I value the human side of legal work and the opportunity to bring warmth to a process that can feel cold and isolating.

Nikole Kastein Horner:
The most rewarding part is seeing the real, immediate impact we can make in people’s lives. Especially in family law, you get to help clients through some of the hardest moments they’ll face and know that your work can make a lasting difference for their families. After coming from politics, where change can feel slow and distant, it’s incredibly fulfilling to do something so personal and tangible.

What’s been the most surprising thing?

Darla Junger:
One of the most surprising challenges has been how difficult it is to build an independent practice. Many LLPs are still working as paralegals to support attorneys, which makes it harder to establish ourselves as standalone professionals and fully utilize the scope of our licensure.

Nikole Kastein Horner:
Honestly, the most surprising thing has been that, even though LLPs have been practicing for over a year now, many attorneys, judicial officers, and potential clients still don’t fully understand what we can and can’t do—or why LLPs are such an important addition to the legal field. There’s still a lot of education and awareness-building to be done about the scope of our work and the value we bring to improving access to legal services.

What are your top two tips for preparing for the LLP exam?

Darla Junger:
Stay current with statutes, case law, and best practices.  Have study sessions with colleagues and mentors to review materials well in advance.

Nikole Kastein Horner:
If you can, find a study buddy who is also preparing for the exam. Make sure to review your ethics course materials as well.

What obstacles have you seen since being sworn in?

Darla Junger:
One of the challenges I’ve faced is client outreach—many people still aren’t aware that they now have alternative options when choosing legal representation. Navigating the limitations of what LLPs can and cannot do in the courtroom has been challenging. The boundaries aren’t always intuitive, and they can create uncertainty when trying to provide seamless support to clients.

Nikole Kastein Horner:
One of the biggest challenges I’ve encountered since being sworn in is learning how to balance my LLP cases with the matters where I still serve as the lead paralegal. It can be tricky to switch between the two roles, especially when the responsibilities and levels of involvement are so different. Finding that balance — and making sure I’m giving each case the attention it deserves — has definitely been a learning curve.

If you are a paralegal wanting to become an LLP, what are the first steps? Where should they start?

Darla Junger:
Your first steps should include meeting the education and experience requirements which consists of completing an ethics course and preparing for two key exams.

Nikole Kastein Horner:
If you’re a paralegal considering the next step in your career, the best place to start is by reviewing your state’s education and experience requirements for LLP licensure. Take a look at what’s needed, then make a game plan for how to get there — or check off what you’ve already accomplished. Getting a clear picture of where you stand helps you move forward with confidence and keeps the process from feeling overwhelming.

Where should folks find resources?

Darla Junger:
The Colorado Supreme Court’s website has official resources for becoming a Licensed Legal Paraprofessional (LLP). The LLP program is evolving and new resources are posted frequently.

Nikole Kastein Horner:
A great place to start is the Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel website and the Colorado Supreme Court website — they both have a lot of helpful information about the LLP program and requirements. You can also connect with the Colorado Bar Association’s LLP Committee or the Denver Bar Association’s LLP Division. They’re both fantastic resources and very supportive communities for anyone interested in becoming an LLP.

What other options does an LLP license open up?

Darla Junger:
Becoming a Licensed Legal Paraprofessional in Colorado opens doors beyond direct client representation. It creates opportunities to serve as mediators, Family Court Facilitators, and mentors to those pursuing the LLP path. These roles allow us to extend our impact—whether by guiding families toward resolution, supporting the court system, or empowering the next generation of legal professionals.

Nikole Kastein Horner:
Earning an LLP license opens the door to a variety of new professional opportunities. In addition to representing clients directly in family law matters, LLPs have the option to open their own practices, providing greater independence and flexibility in their work. The license also qualifies LLPs to serve in additional roles within the legal system, such as mediators and Child and Family Investigators (CFIs). Beyond private practice, many LLPs also choose to give back to the community by offering pro bono services through organizations like Metro Volunteer Lawyers and other access-to-justice programs.

Darla J. Junger, a Licensed Legal Professional (LLP), was part of the first cohort of LLPs sworn in at the Colorado Supreme Court in June 2024. With over 18 years of experience as a paralegal, she has recently shifted her focus to a more collaborative practice, specializing in Colorado family law. While Ms. Junger’s early career was rooted in a heavily litigation-focused environment, her shift to a collaborative approach has not diminished her familiarity with the intricacies of the litigation process.

Nikole Kastein Horner is Kinnett & Cordes’s Managing Paralegal and also one of our amazingly talented Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals (LLPs). As a paralegal, she assists attorneys in divorce litigation, adoptions, child custody disputes, and modifications of child support and parental responsibilities. Ms. Kastein also works as an LLP and is able to represent clients in certain domestic relations matters under Rule 207.