Paula Canny

Practice areas

Criminal Defense, Civil Litigation: Plaintiff, Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI, Estate Planning & Probate, Personal Injury – General: Plaintiff

Focus areas

Criminal Domestic Violence, Criminal Law, DUI/DWI, Drug & Alcohol Violations, Juvenile Delinquency, Personal Injury – Plaintiff, Probate & Estate Administration

Paula Canny fervently champions the rights of individuals from diverse backgrounds across a wide spectrum of cases. She holds a deep affection for her clients and is passionate about the causes she undertakes.

With over four decades of legal expertise and a life rich with experiences beyond the courtroom, Paula’s primary and enduring dedication remains in defending individuals facing criminal charges within any of California’s 58 Counties.

Paula Canny boasts a comprehensive trial record encompassing virtually every category of criminal case – from DUI offenses and trespassing to theft, drug-related charges, and even homicide; her repertoire knows no bounds.

Over time, Paula developed an acute awareness of the systemic shortcomings prevalent in the California Criminal Justice System. This insight propelled her into a mission of reforming the very system she identified flaws within.

Paula takes a stand for the dignified treatment of incarcerated individuals by initiating lawsuits against both California Counties and the State itself. She litigated against multiple California Counties to compel Sheriffs to supply female inmates with menstrual products at no cost. After two years of tireless effort, Paula emerged victorious. This same initiative extended to Oregon and Hawaii under Paula’s guidance, leading to cost-free access to menstrual products of choice for female inmates across West coast states.

Paula extends her support to individuals grappling with severe mental illness and their families as they navigate the legal system. Throughout her extensive career, Paula bore witness to the troubling increase of mentally ill individuals ensnared by the criminal justice system. She not only defended those with mental illness facing criminal charges but also pursued legal action against Counties for their unlawful treatment of mentally ill inmates, securing substantial settlements.

In Paula’s view, mental illness constitutes a matter of public health rather than a problem for the criminal justice realm. She deems it both inhumane and illogical that correctional facilities house more mentally ill individuals than medical institutions.

An adept and compelling public speaker, Paula Canny is known for her straightforward honesty coupled with a delightful sense of humor. Her legal expertise often graces local television and radio programs, where she provides insightful commentary on a wide array of cases for major media outlets.

Paula remains actively engaged with various social justice organizations. Her fondness for Nepal’s Khumbu region is mirrored in her support for the American Himalayan Foundation and the Stop Girl Trafficking Program.

Paula’s personal life and professional journey are driven by her inherent desire to assist and serve others. Her tenacity knows no bounds, and she consistently strives to maintain an attitude of gratitude. These principles profoundly shape her approach to both legal practice and life itself.

Additionally, Paula holds licenses to practice law in Hawaii and Federal Courts. Her educational journey includes attending Georgetown Visitation in Washington, D.C. for high school, Hamilton College (Kirkland) in Clinton, New York for her undergraduate studies, and the University of San Francisco School of Law for her Juris Doctor degree.