The United States District Court for the Western District of Washington is pleased to announce that Paula L. McCandlis has been selected as our next part-time magistrate judge in Bellingham. She will replace Judge Dean Brett, who will retire on May 1, 2016.
Magistrate Judge Select McCandlis has practiced law in Bellingham since 1997, and is currently a co-managing partner/shareholder with Brett, McCandlis Brown, PLLC. She practices civil litigation, personal injury law, and before that practiced family law and criminal law. Ms. McCandlis has a long record of mediation and collaborative law.
In addition to her practice, Ms. McCandlis volunteers for LAW Advocates, offering free legal services to low-income members of the community. She is also a Commissioner Pro Tempore for Whatcom County Superior Court as well as Bellingham Municipal Court.
Ms. McCandlis grew up in Washington State, and is a graduate of the University of California Santa Cruz. She attended Gonzaga University School of Law.
Ms. McCandlis has begun the background investigation process, and is expected to transition into the role in May, when Judge Brett retires after more than 10 years of dedicated service to the Western District of Washington.