Paula S. Pierce-Nicholas

Having extensive litigation experience as a public defender, city prosecutor, government defense attorney, and plaintiff's medical malpractice attorney, Paula has argued hundreds of court hearings, bench trials, and tried over 70 jury trials to verdict including serious felony criminal cases and serious medical malpractice cases. During Paula's diverse litigation career, she has represented many clients in criminal, civil, and family law settlement negotiations and/or mediations. Paula also has successfully represented clients in the Missouri Court of Appeals.

Paula's passion for research and writing was instrumental in her obtaining the prestigious legal role of Judicial Law Clerk after graduating law school. In that role, Paula researched legal issues and drafted proposed orders for the Court. Paula's Judicial Law Clerk role trained her to draft unambiguous and enforceable orders. Paula has considerable experience investigating her own cases, drafting and serving records and witness subpoenas, drafting and responding to discovery requests, preparing exhibits, exhibit lists and witness lists, taking depositions, reviewing documents, developing case strategies, drafting and filing pleadings and trial briefs, and managing the day to day tasks of a law firm.

Paula has compassion for ensuring parent's voices are heard to advocate for the best interests of their children.