Deanna Paul

Deanna Paul is a partner at Geragos & Geragos and an experienced trial lawyer whose practice includes criminal defense, government investigations, complex civil litigation, and appeals. She represents individuals and companies in criminal and regulatory matters involving securities and wire fraud, money laundering, insider trading, and related allegations. Her civil practice includes defamation, discrimination, and employment disputes. Paul also advises clients and journalists on First Amendment and developing media law issues.

Paul received her A.B. from the University of Pennsylvania and her J.D. from Fordham University School of Law. She later earned an M.A. from Columbia Graduate School of Journalism. Her combined legal and journalism education supports a practice that frequently involves complicated factual records, public attention, and reputational concerns. Paul also serves as an adjunct professor of media law at Columbia Graduate School of Journalism, bringing her experience in litigation and journalism to legal education.

Paul began her legal career as an assistant district attorney in New York City, where she prosecuted child homicides, felony sex crimes, and domestic violence cases. She has tried more than two dozen cases to verdict in federal and state courts. She has experience representing technology companies, sports organizations, nonprofits, executives, attorneys, journalists, and public figures. This experience helps her address sensitive criminal, regulatory, and civil disputes that may involve significant legal and public-facing considerations.

Before returning to private legal practice, Deanna Paul worked as a legal affairs correspondent for The Wall Street Journal and as a national and breaking news reporter for The Washington Post. She has received multiple journalism honors and was part of the Washington Post team that became a finalist for the 2019 Pulitzer Prize in Explanatory Reporting. Her background in law, trial advocacy, and journalism provides a distinctive perspective when handling litigation involving complex facts, media attention, and important reputational interests.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Geragos & Geragos
• Member, The State Bar of California

Licensed State

• California

Education

• Fordham University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Columbia Graduate School of Journalism
  Master of Arts (MA)
• University of Pennsylvania
  A.B.

Awards & Badges