Practice areas: Criminal Defense, DUI-DWI, Civil Litigation; view more
Licensed in California since: 1980
Education: University of San Francisco School of Law
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2019 - 2026 Call today:
650-652-7862
Law Office of Paula Canny
840 Hinckley RoadSuite 101
Burlingame, CA 94010 Visit website
Paula Canny is a zealous advocate of people from all walks of life in all type of cases. She loves her clients. She loves her causes.
Paula has over 40 years of legal experience and a life experience that spans far beyond courtrooms. Her first and still abiding passion is State court criminal defense – defending people charged with crimes in any of California’s 58 Counties.
Paula Canny has tried virtually every kind of criminal case; from DUI cases, to trespass, theft, drug charges to murder – you name it she has done it.
Over the years, Paula came to understand the institutional failings of the California Criminal Justice System. She now works to reform the California Criminal Justice System.
Paula advocates for the humane treatment of jail inmates by bringing lawsuits against California Counties and the State of California. Paula filed lawsuits against various California Counties to require Sheriffs to provide menstrual products to women inmates without charge. It took two years of work. Paula won. Paula led the same charge in Oregon and Hawaii. Now women inmates in all West coast states receive free access to the menstrual products of their choice.
Paula helps persons suffering from serious mental illness and their families in dealing with the legal system. Over her years in practice, Paula has witnessed the profound increase in mentally ill people being swept up by the criminal justice system. She has defended mentally ill people charged with crimes. She has sued Counties for their illegal treatment of mentally ill treatment inmates obtaining millions of dollars in settlements.
Paula believes mental illness is a public health issue not a criminal justice problem. Paula finds it cruel and absurd that jails and prisons house more mentally ill people than hospitals.
Paula is a gifted public speaker, a no nonsense truth teller with a great sense of humor. She is a frequent legal commentator on local television and radio. She has provided commentary on all types of cases for all major media outlets.
Paula is actively involved in various social justice organizations. She loves the Khumbu region of Nepal and supports the American Himalayan Foundation and the Stop Girl Trafficking Program.
Paula’s personal life and professional career are based on her desire to help people – to be of service. Paula never gives up and always tries to be grateful. These attitudes shape her approach to practicing law and life.
Paula is also licensed to practice law in Hawaii and Federal Courts.
Paula attended Georgetown Visitation in Washington, D.C. for high school; Hamilton College (Kirkland) in Clinton, New York for College and the University of San Francisco School of Law for her J.D.
Practice areas
Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI, Civil Litigation: Plaintiff, Estate Planning & Probate, Personal Injury - General: PlaintiffFocus areas
Criminal Domestic Violence, Criminal Law, DUI/DWI, Drug & Alcohol Violations, Juvenile Delinquency, Personal Injury - Plaintiff, Probate & Estate Administration
- 40% Criminal Defense
- 30% Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI
- 10% Civil Litigation: Plaintiff
- 10% Estate Planning & Probate
- 10% Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff
First Admitted: 1980, California
Professional Webpage: https://www.paulacanny.com/attorney-profiles/canny/
Bar / Professional Activity
- Presenter at Bar Association MCLEs substance abuse/ professional responsibility , 2019
- Board of Directors, Women Defenders
- San Mateo County Drug Court
- San Mateo County Bar Association
- California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- California, 1980
Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)
- 5 million settlement in jail death case, 2017
Pro bono / Community Service
- American Himalayan Foundation
Honors
- The Golden Tampon award recognizes work to compel Sheriffs and Jailors to freely provide women inmates with menstruation products at the inmate’s choice- and to stop Sheriffs from charging for tampons., Golden Tampon Award, Women Inmates, 2019
- This year, we honor Paula Canny with the Ephraim Margolin President’s Award for her relentless pursuit of justice and commitment to upholding the dignity and rights of all individuals. Renowned for her advocacy against predatory pricing of menstrual products in California jails, Paula’s dedication to this issue exemplifies the award’s purpose of celebrating those who embody the spirit of justice in everything they do. In renaming this award for our first CACJ President, Ephraim Margolin, we recognize individuals whose contributions transcend legal victories to uplift the humanity of those affected by the justice system. Paula’s work, including her recent efforts to ensure free access to menstrual products for incarcerated women, reminds us that justice is grounded in compassion, equity, and the willingness to challenge systemic neglect. As we present this award, we celebrate Paula’s unwavering commitment to making the world a fairer place for all.Purpose of the President's Award:The President's Award honors those who go above and beyond, embodying the spirit of justice in everything they do. It’s our way of saying "Thank You" to those who inspire us all to strive for a better, fairer world.Origin:It was renamed in 2024 from the Special President’s Award, to be given the name of CACJ’s first President, Ephraim Margolin. This award is given out only by the current President of CACJ., Ephriam Margolin President's Awards, CACJ, 2024
- Award based on service to womans lawyers in San Mateo County, or a law-related achievement in general advancing the interests of women., Elinor Falvey Award, San Mateo County Bar Association Women Layers' Section, 2024
Educational Background
- Hamilton College (Kirkland), Clinton, NY, Bachelor of Arts , 1977
- University of San Francisco School of Law – 1980 J.D., 1980
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- Paula has given numerous presentations about California Sheriffs failure to provide women inmates with menstruation products and the efforts to compel Sheriffs to freely provide menstruation products to women inmates., Author/ Speaker, Compelling Sheriffs to Freely Provide Women Inmate’s with Menstruation Products, 2019
Other Outstanding Achievements
- Climbed Mt Whitney ongoing work with the Stop Girl Trafficking Program/ American Himalayan Foundation, 2018
- Civil Rights
- Mental Health Conditions in Jails
- Monitoring County Jail Conditions
- Overseeing County Jail operations
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2019 - 2026
