Bio

Paul Stam has practiced law at Stam Law Firm, PLLC in Apex, North Carolina. He served his eighth (and last) term in the North Carolina House of Representatives in 2016. He was first elected to that position in 1989 and again in 2003. He served as House Republican Leader (2007-2010), House Majority Leader (2011-2012), and Speaker Pro Tem (2013-2016).

In and out of government he worked for more freedom and less government by providing school choice to empower parents to ensure quality schooling for their children, pro-life protection for mothers and children, protection from condemnation abuse, and fairness to state employees. He has continued to fight wasteful spending, including billions of dollars in subsidies to out-of-state corporations.

Since 1976, he has lived and worked in Apex as an attorney.

Personal

Family: Born September 5, 1950, to Paul Stam, Sr. (dec. 1990) and Jane Levring Stam (dec. 2014). Sister, Karen Jane Stam; Brothers, Carl Levring Stam (dec. 2011) and William Whitlen Stam.

Married to Dorothy Electa Mills in 1973. Dottie retired in 2016 as the Director of Worship Arts at Apex Baptist Church. She is the daughter of William and Dot Mills.

Recreation: Tennis/Swimming/Soccer — retired from CASL 40+ Division. Young Turks at Michigan State, UNC-CH Graduate Club, High School Varsity (All County Fullback 1966).

Education and Admissions

J.D. from Chapel Hill, 1975. Research Assistant for the Criminal Law Subcommitee of the Pattern Jury Committee of the Conference of Superior Court Judges 1973 to 1975.

Bachelor of Science with High Honors, School of Criminal Justice from Michigan State University,1972.

Valedictorian and Student Government President, Eastern Christian High School, New Jersey, 1968.

Elementary Schools, Sternberger and Braxton Craven, Greensboro, North Carolina, 1956-1962.

Professional

  • Practice of law since 1976 with Stam Law Firm, PLLC (and predecessor firms), with emphasis on real estate litigation, titles, municipal law, and state constitutional litigation.
  • United States Marine Corps 1968-1970, Honorable Discharge, Corporal, Camp Lejeune.
  • Research Assistant for Justice James G. Exum, Jr. North Carolina Supreme Court, 1975-76.

Legal and Civic Affiliations, Articles

Affiliations

Articles written on the “Equal Access Act” (Campbell Law Observer), “Search and Seizure at Sea” (Sea Grant 1975), and “Judging the American Constitution” in The Conservative Perspective published by N.C. Policy Council Press, (1988). Numerous essays in “Neighbors” newspaper (1997). “The End of the North Carolina Abortion Fund” 22 Campbell Law Review 119 (1999); “The Woman’s Right To Know Act; A Legislative History” 28 Issues in Law and Medicine, p. 3 (2012) and “The 2011 Tribal-State Gaming Compact; 2012 NC Legislative History with Amy O’Neal”  6 charlotte Law Review 17 (2015).

Taught “Family Law” at Campbell Law School as Adjunct Instructor, 1978. Taught Comparative Law, Legislative Process and Parliamentary Procedure at the Foreign Trade Institute, Tianjin, China, June 1992, and Xi Ke Da University, Mianyang, China, September 2005. CLE on N.C. Abortion Law (1988 & 2005), Equal Access Act (1991), “Parliamentary Procedure” (1998 & 2006), the “Map Act” (2017), “Checks & Balances” (2017), and Redistricting (2019). Taught Advanced Civics at Thales Academies (2025).

Other Government Assignments:

  • Chair, N.C. Juvenile Law Study Commission, 1989-1992.
  • Wake County Storm Water Task Force, 2006-2007.

Church

Apex Baptist Church: Bible Study Teacher (3rd, 4th, 5th Grade, and now 4-year olds), former Chair at different times of Deacons, Benevolence, Music, Refugee, Planning, and Budget Committees

Southern Baptist Theological Seminary: Trustee 1988-1998; Chair, Doctoral Studies 1990-1997

Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention: Trustee 2005-2009

North Carolina Baptist Convention: Parliamentarian for the 1996 – 2007 State Conventions

Employment

Began practice of law with Carl P. Holleman in Apex, North Carolina, 1976. Partner in 1978.  Other partners have included Karlen Reed, Dorothy Donaldson, Henry C. Fordham, Jr., Theodore S. Danchi, Dan Gibson, and Nathaniel Parker. Stam Law Firm, PLLC includes Caroline Nickel. It has always held the highest rating (AV) from Martindale Hubbell Law Directory.

Municipal Law

At the time of Carl Holleman’s death in 1992 he had served as Apex Town Attorney for approximately 40 years. For the last 16 of those years I served as his assistant. In 1992 I was appointed Town Attorney and served in that capacity until November of 1995.

Other municipal government matters of significance include Pittsboro Christian Village v. Town of Pittsboro, 96 CVS 372 (1996), Chatham County Superior Court (site plan, tax exemption issues). Smith Chapel Baptist Church v. City of Durham, relief with respect to Durham’s stormwater utility fees, affirmed 350 NC 805 (August 20, 1999).

In two cases in 1999, I represented citizens who obtained declarations that local acts (disguised as public laws) regulating trade (sale of alcohol) violated the North Carolina Constitution. Frazier v. NC ABC Commission, 99 CVS 9622 (Wake County, December 14, 1999) (The Halifax Act) and Reaves v. NC ABC Commission, 98 CVS 13184 (Wake County, August 31, 1999) (The Lumberton Act).

Election Law

In Batdorff v. N.C. State. Board of Elections, 150 N.C. App. 108, my client protested the Board’s refusal to investigate allegations of illegal campaign contributions in the name of another.

Dollar v. Town of Cary, 153 N.C. App. 309, stopped the Town from using tax money in a political campaign.

Freedom of Speech and Religion

Through most of the 1980s I represented lawful and peaceful protestors in Jacksonville, North Carolina who were sued and/or prosecuted by abortion clinics. No injunction against the protestors was ever granted. No conviction was ever sustained. See Onslow County Crist v. Henderson, 82 CVS 939/Crist v. Royal, 87 CVS 1030 and State v. Shreve, 87 CR 16747, 16748.

I served 1991-1997 as Religious Freedom Task Force Coordinator of the Christian Legal Society monitoring religious liberty issues, principally the Equal Access Law.

Local counsel in North Carolina Right to Life v. Gary Bartlett (State Board of Elections First Amendment and Campaign Finance Issues). On April 30, 1998, the Federal District Court declared several state statutes to be unconstitutional and was mostly upheld by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals , 168 F 3rd 705 (4th Cir. 1999). Local counsel in Federal District Court involving similar issues: Beaumont v. FEC (123 S SC-1 2200 (2003) ) and North Carolina Right to Life v. Leake (108 F. Supp. 2nd 498 (2000) and 344 F.3d 418 (4th Cir., 2003)).

Amici Briefs to the Appellate Courts

In Delconte v. North Carolina, 313 NC 384, (1985), local counsel on an amicus brief of the Rutherford Institute and coordinated an amicus brief for the Christian Legal Society. The Supreme Court adopted the arguments of these amici and recognized home schooling as lawful education.

In Azzolino v. Dingfelder, 315 NC 103 (1985), of counsel on an amicus brief by North Carolina Right to Life Education Fund assisting John Swem. The Supreme Court adopted the position of NCRL in rejecting tort claims for wrongful life and wrongful birth.

In Maready v. Winston-Salem, 342 NC 708 (1996), an amicus brief to the N.C. Supreme Court for the John Locke Foundation, Inc. (legality of tax dollars for economic incentives). The Court upheld the validity of these expenditures but the economic case against them remains.

In Pulliam v. Smith, 348 NC 616 (1998), an amicus brief to the N.C. Supreme Court on behalf of the North Carolina Family Policy Council on the question whether the judge deciding custody could consider the conduct of those actively engaging in illegal homosexual conduct in the home. The North Carolina Supreme Court generally upheld our position.

In Rosie J. v. N.C. Department of Human Resources, 347 NC 247, (Oct. 3, 1997), an amicus brief on behalf of North Carolina Right to Life in support of the end of welfare funding by the State of North Carolina. The court sustained our position This ended a 19 year effort beginning with Stam v. State, 302 NC 357 (1981) in which the North Carolina Supreme Court, while upholding state funded abortions, ended county participation.

In Manning v. Hunt, 119 F.3d 254 (4th Cir. 1997), an amicus brief with Ted Danchi, as attorney for North Carolina Right to Life in support of North Carolina’s Parental Consent law. The Fourth Circuit sustained the position of the amicus and of the State.

In Peltier, et al. v. Charter Day School, et al., an amicus brief with Dan Gibson as attorney for the Civitas Institute.  The brief argued charter schools were not “state actors” and could not be sued under laws regulating government action (e.g., the First Amendment) – Fourth Circuit disagreed.

In North Carolina v. Kinston Charter Academy, an amicus brief with Dan Gibson as attorney for Pinnacle Classical Academy.  The brief argued North Carolina charter schools are not arms of the state and should not be treated as part of state government. State Supreme Court agreed.

Current Practice – Cases of Note

In Sebrell v. Carter, 105 NC App 322 (1992), I acted as attorney for record title holders in an adverse possession action and prevailed. 167 acres in Chatham County were involved. I have closed more than 5,000 real estate transactions.

Numerous constructive trusts/or deed/will contests involving real estate including Markham v. Coggins, 81-CVS-304, Chatham County; Mills v. Mills, 81-CVS-4264, Wake County; Mills v. Wagner, 81-CVS-6187, Wake County; Crittenden v. Cox, 92-CVS-13032, Wake County; Marsh v. Hobby_, 90-CVS-3398, Wake County; Whitman v. Forbes, 55 NC App. 706 (1982); Black v. Becky Davis, 87-CVS-10448 ; Goodwin v. Rouse, 94-CVS-696, Chatham County; Strother v. Gaster, 82-CVS-307, Chatham County, Pearson v. Pearson, 76-CVS-1717, Wake County; United Estates of America, Inc. v. Epps, 97-SP-50 (Wake County) (no undue influence or fraud on a deed); In Re: Will of Sugg, 98-SP-20 (Wake County) undue influence and breach of fiduciary relationship concerning will.

Stam Law Firm has been at the forefront of challenging municipal red light camera ordinances. While losing final judgments in each case, the prevalence of these programs went from a dozen to zero as a result of our efforts.

Domestic Relations

I taught family law at Campbell University in 1978. As guardian (for 37 years) of an incompetent, I have litigated support and custody matters. In Price v. Price, 42 NC App. 66 (1979), the Court established the position that an adjudged incompetent may be awarded custody of her minor child.  I was guardian of another woman for 37 years (Whitman v. Forbes). For 17 years I served as trustee of a special needs trust for disabled women.

NC Republican Party

Precinct Chair several times in the 1980’s/1990’s.

Candidate for House, Senate and Court of Appeals 14 times. Eight wins for NC House, two losses for NC House, two losses for NC Senate, two losses for NC Court of Appeals.

Co-Chair, Cobey for Congress, 1984; 1986, and for Governor, 2004.

House Republican Leader 2007-2010.

Served as Parliamentarian many times for the NC GOP Executive Committee and State Conventions, including 2016. Presiding Officer for the Convention at New Bern (approximately 2004).

Taught Parliamentary Procedure for county chairs several times in conjunction with the State Convention. Presented the same course at the Foreign Trade Institute of Tianjin, China, XeKeDa Law School in Mianyang, China and to the Christian Legal Society of North Carolina. In video format it was presented to an affiliated meeting of the Republican National Convention in 2008.

Appointed by Chairs Cobey, Blount, Daves, Fetzer and Hayes to chair the NCGOP Platform Committee for 8 years and then as a member for 2 years. Served as Chair of the Resolutions Committee 2017-2018.

After a 1994 court decision provided for district elections for superior court judges I served as a recruiter for superior court and appellate candidates from 1994-2000.

In 2009-2010 worked closely with our Whip, Thom Tillis, recruiting candidates, funding them and proclaiming their virtues, including appearances for 18 candidates between Labor Day and Election Day. Picked up 16 seats in the House to obtain a 68-seat majority.

In 2011-2012 worked closely with Speaker Thom Tillis and Whip Ruth Samuelson in recruiting candidates, funding them and proclaiming their virtues to the public, including appearances for about 30 candidates. Picked up another 9 seats for a 77-seat supermajority.

In 2013-14 as Speaker Pro Tem worked closely with Conference Chair Ruth Samuelson and Whip Mike Hager to maintain a 74-seat House republican supermajority.

Awards

1966       Camp Brookwoods “Harold Lindsell” Award

1966       Patterson N.J. Morning call “All County Soccer”NC

1989 and 1992       Knights of Columbus – Cary and NC Knights of Columbus (“Serving God, Country & Community”)

1990       NC Victims Assistance Network “Outstanding Legislator”

1992       Volunteer Lawyers Program “Wake County Outstanding Volunteer Attorney”

1997       North Carolina Right to Life “David & Emma O’Steen Volunteer of the Year”

2008       Common Cause “The Democracy Award”

2011       Jesse Helms Center Foundation “John P East Excellence in Public Service Award”

2012       Home Builders Association of Wake County “Outstanding Public Official – Local Government”

2013       North Carolina Christian School Association “Kent Kelly Christian Liberty Award”

2013      North Carolina Champion of Education – Public School Options

2014       John Locke Foundation  “James Knox Polk Award for Leadership in Public Office”

2014       North Carolina Voters for Clean Elections  “Friend of Disclosure Award”

2014       North Carolina Metropolitan Mayors Coalition “Legislative Award”

2015       Gateway Campus “Pro Life Champion”

2015       Parents for Educational Freedom “North Carolina Champion for Children”

2015       Public Charter Schools Association “2015 Charter Champion Award”

2016       Life and Liberty Award – NC Family Policy Council

2016       Senator Jesse Helms Award for Courage – Wake County GOP

2016        Order of the Long Leaf Pine – Governor McCrory

2016        Lifetime Achievement Award-NC Public Charter Schools Association

2016        Education Freedom Alliance – Lifetime Champion for Education

2016        Apex Chamber of Commerce Certificate of Excellence

2016        NC Values Coalition – Champion for Life

2021       American Red Cross – Donor for Life

2023      Kind Neighbor Award from Christian Home Christian Church of Apex

2025      School Choice Defender – Parents for Educational Freedom

Current Appointments

2023-2025 Commissioner of North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission