About Paul

Paul Stephan is a public interest lawyer, former public school teacher, and proud Maplewood resident.

After graduating from SUNY Buffalo, Paul began his career in education—teaching K–7 music in Orange and then first grade in Newark. His classroom experience gave him firsthand insight into how district policy plays out on the ground and what teachers need to support their students.

Now, as an attorney, Paul stands up for communities against the illegal actions of large corporations. He has brought multi-million-dollar cases against chemical companies that polluted drinking water and oil companies that concealed the science of climate change. He has represented consumers in litigation against corporations like Facebook and General Motors, and advocated before the Virginia Supreme Court for a transgender student whose teacher refused to use the student’s correct pronouns.

Paul has performed as a pianist with the South Orange Symphony. He is a District Leader in the Maplewood Democratic Committee and serves on its By-Laws Committee. He and his wife Liz, along with their two (very spoiled) dogs Josie and Charlie, moved from South Orange and are proud first-time homeowners in Maplewood. He brings to this race not only the perspectives of a teacher and advocate, but also that of a thoughtful community member—someone who understands that our schools don’t exist in isolation, but are deeply connected to the well-being and future of our towns. He’s running to help ensure that SOMSD remains a place where all students are supported, and where the values of our community are reflected in the way we lead.