AAfPE 2024 Conference – Schedule at a Glance

Day 1 – Tuesday, October 22, 2025 Schedule

Time Event Details
1:00 PM
Registration
3:00 PM
AAfPE Welcome Session
4:15 PM
Concurrent Session 1: The Bot Made Me Do It: Artificially Intelligent, Legally Questionable
Joshua Sheffer
Joshua Sheffer
Associate Professor
Grand Valley State University
Adrian Copeland
Adrian Copeland
Grand Valley State University
Courtney Topic
Courtney Topic
Grand Valley State University
Description: As AI tools become more common, paralegal students must learn not just how to use these technologies—but when and why. This session will offer strategies for integrating responsible AI use into paralegal education, with a strong focus on the appropriate use of AI in academia and the legal field. Emphasis will be placed on fostering critical thinking surrounding AI use. We will discuss the creation and implementation of in-class exercises and assignments that incorporate AI technology. This session will include attendee participation through discussion and workshopping sample assignments.
Focus: Responsible AI use in paralegal education and academia.
Concurrent Session 2: I Hope This Email Finds You Well – A Faculty Rant Session about Student Emails… Then Learn What to Do About Them
Jeanette Liberty
Jeanette Liberty
San Jacinto College
Shaun Koenig
Shaun Koenig
Community College of Baltimore County
Description: This session is a cathartic and humorous vent session which transforms into a productive evidence-based workshop on setting communication standards, creating communication policies, and teaching students to be professional in their digital correspondence.
Focus: Professional communication and student email etiquette.
Concurrent Session 3: Make Your Voice Heard – Exploration of Educator Credentialing
Lisa Hutton
Lisa Hutton
Deana Waters
Deana Waters
Description: The Committee on Credentialing is hosting a focus group and we need your voice! This committee is working toward AAfPE offering a Paralegal and Legal Studies Educator Credential and we seek your input as we begin the design of this exciting new initiative.
Focus: Credentialing feedback and educator certification initiative.
6:15 PM
Welcome Reception / Exhibit Grand Opening
Hosted by NSLT
8:00 AM
Breakfast with the Exhibitors
10:00 AM
Speed Networking within Regions
9:00 AM
Curriculum Focus Sessions
9:00 AM
AAfPE’s Leadership in the Expanding Roles of Legal Practitioners
10:00 AM
Conference Debrief
10:45 AM
Closing Remarks