Featuring Ian Sharping, recently elected President of FALA Chicago
Before Ian Sharping was appointed Commissioner in the Illinois Court of Claims, he spent years as a general litigation attorney, and even more years in classrooms, shaping the next generation of legal professionals.
Today, as a criminal justice professor, Ian still shows up for his students with the same focus and energy he once brought to the courtroom. To him, the law isn't just about rules or legal theory, it's about people. And mentorship is one of the most powerful tools to ensure justice, equity, and opportunity thrive.
"My students are often future police officers or paralegals. I want them to understand how the law works in real life, and how to approach it with compassion, accountability, and responsibility."
Ian doesn't just teach legal procedures, he teaches resilience, professionalism, and the importance of community. For him, education is a calling, one that must empower students to lead with both their minds and their hearts.
This deep commitment to education and professional standards led Ian to his current national role as Treasurer of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE), the leading voice in advancing paralegal and legal studies programs across the United States.
AAfPE plays a critical role in developing high-quality, accessible education for aspiring paralegals. Through advocacy, research, and collaboration, AAfPE works to ensure paralegal programs stay current, ethical, and aligned with the evolving needs of the legal system.
As Treasurer, Ian not only brings fiscal responsibility to the table, he brings vision. He understands the stakes of legal education and how strong programs can uplift communities, reduce barriers, and open doors for those who might otherwise be left behind.
"Paralegals are essential to the legal ecosystem. They are often the first point of contact for clients, and the backbone of many law firms and courts. AAfPE's mission is about elevating their preparation and protecting the quality of their work."
Back home in Chicago, Ian continues this mission of mentorship and representation as the new President of the Filipino American Lawyers Association (FALA Chicago). Through this role, he's helping build a powerful pipeline of support for young attorneys, law students, and underrepresented professionals in the legal space.
From offering scholarships to hosting community events and mentorship sessions, Ian is working to create a legal culture where everyone feels they belong, regardless of race, background, or income.
He especially understands the unique challenges faced by first-generation students, immigrants, and professionals restarting their careers. For them, FALA is more than an organization, it's a home.
"We want people to know, especially those who may feel like outsiders, that they belong in this profession. That they have a voice. And that we'll walk beside them every step of the way."
Mentorship isn't a trend for Ian Sharping. It's a responsibility. He knows how transformative it can be to have someone believe in your potential, especially when you're unsure of yourself. And he believes that the legal profession has a duty to not only protect justice, but also to grow the next generation of leaders who will carry it forward.
Whether you're a paralegal student, a first-year law student, or someone wondering if you'll ever "fit in", Ian's message is simple and powerful: You belong. There's room for you at the table.
And sometimes, all it takes is one mentor to remind you of that truth.
About AAfPE
The American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) is the leading resource for paralegal educators, promoting quality paralegal education through advocacy, standards, and professional development.