Paula McCandlis

Born in an army hospital in Fort Knox, Kentucky, Paula McCandlis experienced an early introduction to resilience and adaptability. Her father, an army serviceman, passed away in Vietnam when she was just an infant. Her mother, a widow at 24, prioritized real-world education for Paula and her brother, embarking on a global backpacking journey during Paula's high school years. This journey included extended stays in regions such as China, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, India, Nepal, and Europe, allowing Paula to immerse herself in diverse cultures.

With the support of VA benefits and evening jobs, Paula pursued higher education, graduating from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 1992 with dual degrees in Philosophy and Legal Studies. Her passion for the law was ignited while working for three attorneys, prompting her to attend Gonzaga School of Law, where she graduated in 1996.

Paula's love for the law stems from its problem-solving nature and the opportunity it provides to engage with a wide array of individuals and perspectives. She appreciates discussing legal matters from multiple viewpoints, including those of a layperson, lawyer, judge, and philosopher, allowing her to tackle challenging questions with depth and insight.