Paula L. McCandlis

Paula L. McCandlis is the managing partner at Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner PLLC, operating out of the firm's Bellingham, Washington, office. She offers her legal proficiency to clients across the state who have suffered due to the negligent acts of others. Her practice is primarily concentrated on a comprehensive range of personal injury cases, which includes, but is not limited to:

• Events involving animal and dog bites
• Cases of medical negligence
• Traumatic injuries involving the head, brain, neck, back or spine
• Cases resulting in fatal outcomes
• Automobile accident
• Heavy-duty vehicle collisions
• Motorcycle collision
• DUI/DWI charges
• Slip-and-fall incidents
• Construction site mishaps
• Premises liability
• Product liability
• Wrongful death lawsuits

Furthermore, Ms. McCandlis is adept at navigating the complexities of insurance claims and litigation, ensuring that her clients receive the compensation and justice they deserve.

At the outset of a client relationship, Ms. McCandlis’ principal aim is to foster a profoundly empathetic rapport, delving into the client’s personal narrative, the pivotal events that have unfolded and the transformative effects their injuries have had on their lives. Leveraging her considerable professional acumen, she possesses the keen insight and refined communicative skills to give voice to the complex emotions felt by those who have encountered trauma or loss. Her skill enables her to convey the intricacies of personal suffering in a way that allows for greater external understanding and empathy, ensuring that the profound emotional impact of such experiences is communicated with eloquence and precision.

In 1992, Ms. McCandlis completed a dual degree in philosophy and legal studies from UC Santa Cruz. Following her graduation, she commenced employment with a trio of attorneys, an experience that solidified her aspiration to pursue a career in law. Motivated by this newfound ambition, she enrolled at Gonzaga University School of Law in Spokane, where she was conferred her J.D. in 1996. Subsequently, she was licensed to practice law in Washington in 1997.

Currently serving as the U.S. magistrate judge (part-time) for the Western District of Washington, Ms. McCandlis’ notable impact within the legal community is highlighted by her leadership as the 2014 president of the Whatcom County Bar Association, following her vice presidency in the preceding year. A staunch participant in the Washington State Bar Association, she also brings her juridical insight to her position as commissioner pro tem of the Whatcom County Superior Court.