In a wide-ranging interview at the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAFPE) fall conference in October 2024, Janet Kaiser, co-founder of the organization, shared compelling stories about the association's humble beginnings and her personal sacrifices to establish professional standards in the field.
Kaiser, who was honored alongside the late David Siden for their foundational work, recalled the association's near-naming disaster in the 1980s. "Someone suggested 'American Association Paralegal Education,' and David literally almost fell off his chair," Kaiser recounted with a laugh. "He said, 'We can't call it APE!'" The group quickly added "for" to create AAFPE, avoiding an unfortunate acronym.
The interview, conducted by current AAFPE leader Page Beetem at the Arlington conference, revealed the financial and personal commitment required to launch the organization. Kaiser admitted to funding much of the early work on her personal credit cards while working as a continuing education specialist at UCLA Extension.
"I was single at the time, so I didn't have any dependents. I thought, well, if you want to do this, then put your money where your mouth is."
From Typewriters to Technology
The conversation highlighted the dramatic evolution of paralegal education over four decades. Kaiser reminisced about typing membership lists on a typewriter at UCLA and the excitement when Lexis and Westlaw first arrived with their "huge machines."
"We'd all gather around and practice our search language ahead of time. Someone would yell 'Print it off! Turn it off! Are we still being charged?'"
The founders' vision emphasized collaboration over competition. "People just shared because there was no sense that any of this was going to be copyrighted," Kaiser said. "Somebody would call and say, 'Janet, do you have a salary survey I can use?' And I'd mail them five years of results."
Building Academic Credibility
A key goal was establishing paralegal studies as a legitimate academic field. Kaiser pushed for proper curricula, quality textbooks written specifically for paralegal students rather than law students, and ABA approval processes for programs.
"We had to have data. You can't make decisions without data."
Kaiser described her efforts to create the first comprehensive directories of paralegal programs and track graduate employment.
The interview also revealed resistance from some in the legal profession. Kaiser described having to personally visit law firms to convince senior partners to hire paralegal graduates, often conducting "brown bag lunch" sessions to explain the value of paralegal professionals.
Personal Impact and Legacy
Perhaps the most touching moment Kaiser shared was about a former student who visited her office eight years after graduation. The man, who had been recently released from prison when he enrolled, told her: "I went to paralegal school. You were my teacher. I got a job and I now have a wife and three kids and I have an office and a briefcase."
"I remember thinking to myself, 'This is the best thing that's ever going to happen to me in my life.'"
After leaving paralegal education in the late 1990s, Kaiser pursued various careers including serving as a receivership administrator for the LA Superior Court, where she managed businesses ranging from a medical marijuana dispensary to a company that installed banners at Lakers games.
Looking Forward
Today's AAFPE continues the founders' mission of promoting excellence in paralegal education. The organization has evolved from Kaiser's typewritten newsletters to automated digital platforms, though some traditions remain. Long-time volunteer Dora, who maintained the membership list for decades, was also recognized at the event for her service.
When asked about her wishes for AAFPE's future, Kaiser simply said, "I wish it good health and long life." She expressed amazement at seeing the conference room full of educators and vendors, noting, "This is real. Students are being served, even if it is with newfangled computers."
The interview concluded with both women reflecting on the profound impact paralegal education has had on thousands of students' lives. As Kaiser noted about her teaching career, "You reach thousands of people... and that's an important thing."