Paula works to eliminate barriers and support our families.

Paula is Onondaga County's Chief Welfare Attorney. For the past 12 years, Paula has won recognition from community leaders for her fairness and her commitment to making sure every family's voice is heard.

ABOUT PAULA

Helping to build a stronger community.

Every parent in Onondaga County shares at least one common goal: to raise their children in a safe, supportive environment that allows them to succeed. As both a parent and a professional, Paula recognizes that struggles with poverty, mental health, physical illness, or substance abuse can make that goal seem unattainable. As a Family Court judge, Paula will put her years of compassionate public service to work making sure that every family has the opportunity to thrive.

Paula is focused on helping victims of crime, people struggling in poverty and with addictions, and making sure that our government is responsive and accountable. Serving as Deputy Chief, and then Chief Welfare Attorney has provided her with valuable experience and a critical understanding of the Family Court System. As our next Family Court Judge, Paula will engage children, other family members, and service providers in developing solutions to the problems that bring them to court. She will hold all parties accountable in order to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Paula has received the highest possible ratings for her qualifications to be a judge. She has nearly 40 years of experience in the legal profession, starting as a paralegal at the age of 18, working in private practice after law school, and then entering government service. As an Assistant District Attorney, Paula held a 100% trial conviction rate.  

While studying for her bachelor’s degree at Syracuse University, Paula demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to the campus and the larger community and was named All-University Marshal for her graduating class. At Syracuse College of Law she received multiple awards in appellate competitions. 

Paula and her husband, attorney Richard Engel, have three children and are communicants at Immaculate Conception Church.

Read more about Paula here.