Born and raised in Seattle, Paul graduated from Roosevelt High School and the University of Washington. After serving in the U.S. Navy as an electrician and salvage diver, Paul used his GI Bill benefits to attend college and law school, graduating from the Northwestern School of Law in 1983. He and his wife chose Kitsap as their home to raise a family and build a strong sense of community. Outside of work, Paul enjoys training for half marathons, backpacking, and volunteering at a local theater.