The Life and Career of Vickie Gray: Legal Secretary at Paulson & Nace

One thing Vickie Gray knew growing up was that she wanted to be just like her mother.

''She was an impeccable dresser (very polished), won many awards for her service and accomplishments in the government, and was well liked by her superiors,'' said Gray.


Today, as a mother of three, president-elect of Legal Secretaries of DC, and a legal secretary for Paulson & Nace, Gray exudes the same competence she saw in her mother.

Gray's journey began back at Strayer University, where she received her B.S. in Computer Science/Networking and planned on diving into the computer field. With the devastating arrival of 9/11, however, "most companies required security clearances and experience," said Gray. "I had neither."

So Gray instead focused on another aspiration: becoming an executive assistant. She began developing a list of qualities she knew would benefit both herself and her employer.

"Strive to learn and grow as a professional as well as an individual. Lead by example. My mother never said, 'Do this' or 'do that.' She simply did it…Be a team player and motivate and encourage...peers to invest in themselves and their future. [Do] not...put limitations on myself. I am the only person [who] can put constraints on me. And set realistic goals and stay focused. I can achieve all things one step at a time," Gray explained.

But change, as Gray had learned before, was imminent, and though she dreamed of becoming an executive assistant, her plans, once again, shifted. She applied for a secretarial job advertised in The Washington Post and discovered later it was for a law firm. From then on, she was immersed in law.

"I supported two attorneys who practiced personal injury. Then I went to work for a DC firm and supported several attorneys who practiced family law, after which I went to another DC firm and supported several attorneys who practiced business litigation," said Gray.

Currently, she works as a legal secretary at Paulson & Nace, a medical malpractice firm located in DuPont Circle in Washington, DC, where she helps the senior partner, Barry J. Nace, as well as two associates.

Gray not only offers legal help; she also receives it. Because of this, she has learned to become an organized and detail-oriented person, thanks especially to John Critzos, II, Esq. , the first attorney Gray supported.

"He was very demanding," said Gray. "A perfectionist." He demanded that she produce high-quality work with no training and expected her to understand procedures after explaining them once.

"I began to take notes every time he opened his mouth," she said. "He taught me how to be a quick learner, self-starter...and a dedicated worker. Because of his thorough training, throughout my career, I have been able to demonstrate my ability to handle a variety of tasks efficiently, effectively, professionally, and promptly."


 

Q. What do you do for fun? A. I read and do brain-teaser puzzles. I primarily read my Bible and books by Christian authors; however, I occasionally read forensic detective novels. Q. What CD is in your CD player right now? A. A compilation CD I made featuring CeCe Winans, Smokie Norford, and Shekinah Glory. Q. What is the last magazine you read? A. I truly don't remember. It wasn't in the last couple of years. I don't read magazines; I read books. I take books with me to the doctor's office. Q. What is your favorite TV show? A. CSI, CSI Miami, and The Closer. Q. Who is your role model? A. Jesus Christ and then my mother.

Today, Gray handles challenges like a professional.

"All situations are occasions to learn and grow," she explained.

"Work hard to learn your job, and once you have learned it, perfect it. Do not allow your job description to define who you are in your position or put limitations and restrictions on you...And, most importantly, have a firm understanding that as a legal secretary, you provide a service to others."