Paul Nettleton is a former logger and millworker who earned a law degree from the University of British Columbia. He has practiced law in the Fraser Valley and northern B.C. He also worked with a native community law office in Fort St. James.

He was the chair of Fort Outreach, a federally-funded employment and job search centre in Fort St. James. He has also been involved in many community programs for youth.

Paul and Elite Nettleton have three children.