One of the most successful innovations of the Pathfinder Adventure Paths is the "Campaign Trait." But most Campaign Traits are built around the first adventure (and often the first encounter of the first adventure).
This can create an unfortunate dilemma. If the campaign needs to either add a new player after starting or replace a killed hero, this means that the existing campaign traits don’t work so well.
So how have GMs been handling this problem?
Is it that much of an issue? Just use regular traits, which account for a wide variety of backgrounds. If you want a campaign trait, you either pick one that is still applicable or homebrew up a new one to explain how the character is joining the AP. Balanced homebrew traits are probably the easiest thing to create on your own, given that the vast majority follow a simple formula.
Even if a player comes in later that does not mean he can not be tied to the campaign. If it is Kingmaker as an example maybe the new character was thrown in jail when the adventure started or maybe the GM can say he blackmailed someone into getting him a charter.
There are normally ways around it depending on the campaign in question.
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For replacement Characters (replacing dead characters) I skip the campaign trait after the first adventure and just let them pick any 2 traits.
BUT I'll ask them to come up with some reason for "What brings your character to the party at this point?" (again, assuming it's to replace the dead, they know what's going on).
For a replacement Player, I'll usually make them pick a campaign trait no matter what point of the story it is. Helps them come up with a background and link up with the current party.
Of course this is very dependant on the AP campaign traits as well.
For example, in my current SS game, I swapped out a player after Souls for Smuggler's Shiv. None of the "sea based" traits made much sense since they were already in Eleder. Easier to just skip the campaign trait at that point.
So, bottom line: depends. :)