also known as Paula R. Bernstein
Paula Bernstein Hough is a skilled and accomplished legal practitioner with over two decades of experience in criminal defense, civil rights advocacy, and firm management. She co-founded BernsteinHough, P.C., a highly respected private practice known for its strategic and compassionate representation in high-stakes criminal cases, civil commitment hearings, and post-conviction matters. Mrs. Hough has extensive litigation experience, leadership roles in bar associations, and a commitment to mentorship and legal education. Her work has shaped the legal profession through advocacy, policy engagement, and professional development.
Mrs. Hough graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology and Law. After graduation, she worked for the National Legal Aid and Defender Association before enrolling in law school at the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. During law school, she was awarded the Eleanor & James Clanton Haynes Memorial Law and Public Policy Fellowship, served as Senior Editor for a Law Journal, and volunteered for the Innocence Project, investigating a case of wrongful conviction. She also worked full-time as the Information Specialist for The Death Penalty Information Center, where she delivered presentations on capital punishment to state, national, and international organizations and provided expert testimony before the Judiciary Committee of the Maryland House of Delegates. She graduated cum laude in 2002.
Paula Bernstein Hough was admitted to the Virginia Bar in 2002 and to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in 2012.
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Practice Areas
23 years
23 years
18 years
Sometimes
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Chat withState: Virginia
Acquired: 2002
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4110 East Parham Road, Suite 201, Henrico, VA, 23228
57 Client Reviews
Showing 6 - 10 of 57 reviews
Posted by anonymous | April 12, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Reckless Driving Ticket
Mrs. Hough did an amazing job representing me in court, and I am extremely grateful for BernsteinHough Law Firm for taking my case on a very short notice. She got my misdemeanor charge dismissed as long as I pay a small (<$100) court fee and complete 8hrs of an online driving school. Everyone I spoke...
I am so happy we were able to help keep this off of your record!
Posted by Alejandro Hernandez | October 05, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Best lawyer
This attorney was very professional and very helpful the whole process for my speeding ticket. She did an amazing job and reduced my charges and lowered my fine! I also want to point out that they have a very friendly secretary/ front desk. There was no pressure at no point.
Thank you for these kind words about our assistant, Jenn. She is great!! I am so glad our team made this process easy for you.
Posted by anonymous | July 18, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Reckless Driving Case
I was charged with reckless driving for the first time of my driving experience. I prayed for a lawyer that was in my budget and could give me a positive outcome. That's what Mrs. Hough done for me because the case was dismissed. I am please well please with the outcome. If you need a great lawyer th...
Thank you so much. We love dismissals!
Posted by anonymous | January 27, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Achieved the near improbably for me
Misdemeanor traffic charges can devastate an individual’s personal and professional life. They impact jobs one can apply for, places that can be rented, lenders that are willing to give mortgages, etc. In short, these cases are to be taken seriously, and you want representation from someone who takes...
Thank you so much for these kind words!
Posted by Christopher | January 18, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Reckless Driving 100+MPH
I was caught doing 100+ in a 60mph and Paula went to bat for me. Due to my driving record, I should’ve been sentenced to some time but I only had to do 1 day - which was actually 4hrs. - with 50hr. community service. Much better than what I deserved. Thanks Paula!!
You're so welcome. Thank you for the review!
"I regularly see Paula in court trying cases. She is extremely knowledgeable of the law and zealous in her defense of her clients. She is one of the top criminal defense attorneys in the area, so I highly recommend Paula to anyone seeking an attorney."
"I have known Paula Bernstein for my entire legal career. She was first my supervisor when I was an intern, then later we worked together as public defenders. She has always been able to help me with difficult legal issues, negotiating strategies, and trial methods. I highly recommend Paula Bernstein to anyone looking for strong representation from an experienced lawyer."
Criminal defense lawyer
2002
Eleanor & James Clanton Haynes Law and Public Policy Fellowship, Columbus School of Law
2011 - Present
Partner, BernsteinHough, P.C.
2009 - 2011
President, Brisendine, Overand, Buster & Bernstein
2008 - 2010
Volunteer, Central Virginia Legal Aid
2007 - 2009
Attorney, The Gordon Law Firm
2003 - 2007
Senior Assistant Public Defender, Fairfax County Public Defender's Office
1998 - 2003
Information Specialist, Death Penalty Informaiton Center
2012 - Present
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of VirginiaAttorney
2008 - Present
Greater Richmond Criminal Bar AssociationMember
2008 - Present
Henrico County Bar AssociationMember
2019 - 2020
Greater Richmond Criminal Bar AssociationPresident
2018 - 2019
Richmond Criminal Bar AssociationVice Presidnet
2017 - 2018
Greater Richmond Criminal Bar AssociationTreasurer
2016 - 2017
Greater Richmond Criminal Bar AssociationSecretary
2002
JD - Juris Doctor
1995
Bachelor of Arts degree
2019
Do I have to be Civil?: Handling forfeiture, expungement, restoration of rights, and other civil matters that arise in criminal cases.
2017
Planning Committee-Bench Bar Conference
2001
English
Legal Answers
Do I need a lawyer for my first offense selling alcohol to a minor?
08 Sep 2018
Resolution for very first speeding ticket 58/45?
11 Sep 2018
Can I get my felony expunged after a plea deal?
08 Sep 2018