Paula Canny

Paula Canny is a criminal defense and civil litigation attorney based in Burlingame, California. She represents people charged with crimes throughout California, with a practice focused on state-court criminal defense. Her work includes DUI, trespass, theft, drug charges, violent crimes, and serious felony cases. Clients turn to Canny for direct advocacy, courtroom experience, and practical guidance when facing difficult legal problems.

Canny earned a J.D. from the University of San Francisco School of Law in 1980 and a B.A. from Hamilton College in 1977. She was admitted to the California Bar in 1980 and is also licensed to practice in Hawaii and federal courts. Her education and admissions support a practice focused on criminal defense, civil litigation, constitutional issues, and the legal needs of people affected by the justice system.

Canny has more than 40 years of legal experience and has tried a broad range of criminal cases, including matters involving DUI, theft, drug charges, and murder. She also advocates for jail inmates through civil litigation against counties and the State of California. Her experience includes lawsuits addressing access to menstrual products for women inmates and claims involving the treatment of people with serious mental illness in custody.

Paula Canny has been recognized by Super Lawyers and received the Ephraim Margolin President’s Award and the Elinor Falvey Award in 2024. She is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, and the San Mateo County Bar Association. Through criminal defense, civil litigation, public commentary, and reform-focused advocacy, Canny works to protect clients’ rights and improve the legal system.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, The Law Offices of Paula Canny
• Member, California State Bar
• Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Life Member, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
• Member, San Mateo County Bar Association
• Member, San Mateo County Drug Court
• Board of Directors, Women Defenders
• Member, American Himalayan Foundation

Licensed State

• California

Education

• University of San Francisco School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Hamilton College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges