Past Presidents of AAfPE

A conference at the University of Denver College of Law in 1973 refined the Guidelines for the Approval of Legal Assistant Education Programs, later approved by the ABA House of Delegates that August. A pilot project followed with four institutions to test the evaluative criteria and procedures, one of which was the Institute for Paralegal Training (Philadelphia) led by David Sapadin. A second Denver conference in 1974 launched the approval project in earnest.

From 1975 to 1980, the ABA hosted annual conferences for paralegal educators. In 1980 (San Francisco), the ABA announced it would discontinue these conferences—prompting educators to organize what is now AAfPE. In 1981, David Sapadin and Janet Kaiser (AAfPE’s first President) organized and personally funded in San Antonio what became AAfPE’s first annual conference, effectively giving birth to the association. Without their efforts, AAfPE would not exist.

David later left paralegal education and went on to other accomplishments. Read more about his life here.

Founding director of the USC Law School paralegal program and Juvenile Court mediator; died July 21, 2005, at age 72. Renowned for compassion and advocacy for the underprivileged; also taught at UCLA School of Social Welfare and USC Law.

Chaired St. John’s Division of Criminal Justice & Legal Studies; co-founded Mock Trial Team (21 national finals, #2 in 2000). Specialized in elder law, trusts/estates, and real property; admitted to multiple bars incl. U.S. Supreme Court. Olympic Torchbearer nominee (1996). Passed away at 61 after a valiant cancer battle.

Transitioned from legal practice to academia. Chaired Accounting & Legal Studies at Middlesex; later Dean and VP roles in accreditation. AAfPE Board member from 1999; President in 2005 (Tampa annual meeting shortened by hurricane). Retired in 2016 after years of accreditation consulting.

Directed Arizona’s largest ABA-approved paralegal program (~400 students/semester). Helped open a full-sized e-Court in 2008. J.D. magna cum laude (Dayton), MBA (UNM), B.S. CS (Embry-Riddle). Service includes ABA Approval Commission, Maricopa County Bar Paralegal Division, and State Bar task forces.

Former Professor of Paralegal Studies, widely recognized for advancing legal education and mentoring. As AAfPE President, strengthened collaboration and organizational resources; remembered for impactful leadership.

Founding director, GWU Paralegal Studies; associate professor of Paralegal Studies & Constitutional Law. Research: access to justice, paralegal licensing, UPL, and tribal paralegal models. Launched programs at GWU, UNC Charlotte, and University of Bagamoyo (Tanzania). As the “COVID President,” led the in-person vs. virtual conference decision during the pandemic.