Erik Stapper graduated from Harvard College in 1957 and was an editor of the Law Review of the University of Michigan Law School before graduating with a J.D. in 1960. After serving in the U.S. Army he practiced for more than ten years with a prominent New York trust and estate firm. In 1976 he formed Stapper & Van Doren. In 2019, with the aim of easing administrative responsibilities, Mr. Stapper, together with David S. Lee and Linda J. Sosnowitz, merged their practices into Davidson, Dawson & Clark, LLP.
He continues to advise, publish and lecture internationally on cross-border tax planning for dual nationals or residents, including artists and art collectors, geographically widely spread families, small businesses and philanthropic organizations. He and his wife reside on the campus of Lasell University in Newton, MA where Mr. Stapper now serves as Trustee Emeritus, having been a Trustee for more than 13 years, including five as Chairman of the Board.