Free Consultation
$0 first 45 minutes
Kristin Leigh Paulding
About Kristin
Biography
Are you or your loved one in trouble? Perhaps you have been arrested and have questions about the legal process or are looking for an experienced attorney to represent you in your case. If so give me a call.
7 Cities Law serves clients in Hampton Roads. I have been practicing criminal law for ten years and started this firm in 2015. I am a former Virginia Beach prosecutor who has tried hundreds of criminal cases. I have worked on almost every type of case from Murder, Sexual Assault and Drug Offenses to DUI, Traffic Infractions and School Disciplinary Hearings.
Your future or your child's future is at stake. Don't hesitate to find someone who can help you through the process. I also work closely with a criminal investigator, Tommy Shattuck, to give my clients the best respresentation possible. I pride myself on preparing my clients for what lies ahead. When you hire me we will work together to examine the evidence in your case and find the best solution possible.
Call now to set up a free consultation. I look forward to talking with you.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.
Search our directory
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Virginia for 18 years
State: Virginia
Acquired: 2007
No misconduct found
Location
7 Cities Law
291 Independence Blvd., Pembroke 4, Suite 423, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462
Gallery
Ad
Transform legal challenges into solutions.
Connect now to review your situation.
Kristin Leigh Paulding's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 13 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Jay | August 1, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Grateful Beyond Words — Kristin Saved My Life.
Grateful Beyond Words — Kristin Saved My Life I want to take a moment to publicly thank and endorse Kristin, my attorney, who stood by me during the most terrifying and difficult time of my life. I was falsely accused of a serious crime that could have destroyed my future, my career, and as an imm...
Posted by Robert | September 2, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Could not have had a better advocate.
Ms. Paulding was engaged as co-counsel for two felony charges, the most serious of which carried a very long prison sentence. Through her efforts the most serious charge was discontinued and the other charge resulted in probation. This process took over two years. During that time Ms. Paulding kept ...
Posted by Shante' | January 8, 2019 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Awesome
If I could vote 10 stars I would. 1/4/19 Friday morning I was googling different attorneys to find an attorney by 1/7/19 Monday. Ms.Paulding paralegal Ms. Mary Ann answered, I spoke to her about my situation. She left a detailed message for Ms. Paulding through out the day she called me giving be up...
Posted by Susana | November 21, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great Lawyer, Amazing person.
Ms. Paulding is hands down the BEST lawyer you can have. She is not only well experienced, reliable, with incredible analytical, research and communication skills, and judgment but also she is an amazing person who treats her clients with not only respect but the care you need when in an unfortunate...
Posted by anonymous | June 8, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Amazing !
Kristin has been patient, professional, direct and completely amazing with my son and family. Without her vast knowledge my son would still be in detention and we would be clueless on how the appeal process worked.
Kristin Leigh Paulding's Lawyer Endorsements
"Kristin Paulding is a tenacious attorney. Her experience as a prosecutor working on some of the toughest juvenile cases has given her unique skill set. Is a tenacious attorney. Her experience as a prosecutor working on some of the toughest juvenile cases has given her unique skill set that distinguishes her from many other members of the criminal defense bar. She is a friend and a trusted attorney that I am pleased toendorse."
"Hands down, you will not find an attorney who is as well prepared, fearless, and knowledgeable as Kristin. I've personally watched Kristin take several difficult cases to juries and win with fantastic results. With several years of experience as a prosecutor, Kristin has earned the respect of the judges, fellow attorneys, and prosecutors in the area."
"I worked alongside Kristin when we were both prosecutors. We tried several cases together and she is a meticulous trial attorney with an extraordinary attention to detail. When she became a defense attorney and we were on opposing sides, it was important for me to always be prepared and anticipate the issues that she would bring up. She fights hard for her clients, even when the odds are stacked against them."
"Kristin is always prepared and advocates for her clients. She is a great attorney who knows how to get results."
"Kristin is one of the most prepared, well-spoken, and persuasive advocates around. Her prosecutorial experience gives her a unique ability to see arguments from both sides and plan accordingly."
"I endorse this lawyer. Kristin is truly a skilled trial lawyer. I watched as case preparation was ramped-up in the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office when I was still a prosecutor and she had become a defense lawyer- everybody respected and knew her extraordinary abilities as a trial lawyer. I highly endorse Kristin as a juvenile and violent crime litigator."
"I've had the pleasure of working on both sides of the courtroom with Kristin. As a former prosecutor, she was always well-prepared and fierce. In her current capacity as a defense attorney, I've watched her make some of the most creative and well-thought out arguments of any defense attorney out there. I strongly endorse Kristin Paulding."
"I had many cases against Kristin when she was a prosecutor, and I always knew that I was against a well prepared and tough adversary when she was on the other side. She has brought the same approach as a defense attorney and has quickly established a reputation as one of the most well respected attorneys in the area."
"I endorse this lawyer. Kristin is an excellent trial attorney. She is respected by the Court and is a constant professional."
"Kristin is dedicated and smart. As a prosecutor she was always prepared and tough. A good litigator, I highly recommend her as an advocate."
"Kristin is extremely professional and knowledgeable. She is an excellent trial attorney, well organized and diligent in all of her obligations to the Court and her clients. I strongly endorse Ms. Paulding."
"I handled many cases against Kristin while she was a prosecuting attorney. She is an excellent trial lawyer. As a former prosecutor, she can defend cases from a unique perspective. I highly recommend her."
"Kristin is one of the smartest and versatile attorneys that I've known. When combined with her tremendous work ethic, you have the combination for great work."
"Kristin is a top-notch attorney and a highly respected member of the bar. She is extremely skilled and experience in the courtroom. I strongly endorse Kristin as an attorney."
"A seasoned trial attorney who can handle anything from a DUI to a murder trial. No one works harder for their clients."
"Ms. Paulding was a fearless prosecutor willing to take on the heavy hitter defense attorneys. I look forward to watching her use these talents for her clients on the defense side. Without reservation I endorse this lawyer."
"As a prosecutor, Kristin was always meticulous in her preparation for each case and superior in her knowledge of the law. There is no doubt in my mind that she will use that same knowledge and meticulous preparation to be a powerful advocate for her clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
Kathlyn Flora
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Christopher Baker
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Megan Wickre
Criminal defense lawyer
Michael Robusto
Criminal defense lawyer
Charisse Black
Family lawyer
Stephen Plott
Criminal defense lawyer
Scott Lang
Criminal defense lawyer
Jerrell Johnson
Criminal defense lawyer
Robert Herron
Criminal defense lawyer
Jamison Rasberry
Criminal defense lawyer
Jarrett McCormack
Criminal defense lawyer
Stephen Pfeiffer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Experience
Honors
2017
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2016
Top 40 Under 40, The National Trial Lawyers
2007
Ryan J. Mullins Award for Criminal Law, University at Buffalo School of Law
2007
Robert J. Connelly Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy, University at Buffalo School of Law
2007
James M. Kieffer Award for Outstanding Trial Advocacy, University at Buffalo School of Law
2007
Anthony J. Demarco Jr. Best Advocate Award, New York State Bar Association
2006
Anthony J. Demarco Jr. Best Advocate Award, New York State Bar Association
Work Experience
2015 - Present
Partner, 7 Cities Law
2007 - 2015
Prosecutor, Virginia Beach Commonwealth Attorney's Office
Associations
2016 - Present
Virginia Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2016 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2015 - Present
Virginia Supreme CourtCertified Guardian Ad Litem
2015 - Present
Virginia Supreme CourtCertified Criminal Attorney for Indigent Defendants
2015 - Present
Eastern District of VirginiaMember
2007 - Present
Virginia Beach Bar AssociationMember
2007 - Present
Virginia State BarMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Commonwealth v. A.C.
Charges were Nolle Prossed
Commonwealth v. MP
Dismissed
Commonwealth v. CJ
Dismissed
Commonwealth v. KB
Dismissed
Commonwealth v. RD
Reduced to Improper Driving
Education
2007
The University at Buffalo
JD - Juris Doctor
2004
The University at Buffalo
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2014
Virgina Beach Commonwealth Attorney's Conference
DUI Defenses (CLE)
2014
Annual LETA Legal Refresher
Criminal Law
Publications
2015
7 Cities Law Blog
DUI Breath Test
2015
7 Cities Law Blog
DUI
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Am I allowed to look at my own case file?
08 Feb 2016
Q&A
Reckless driving in a school zone, doing 50 in a 25
19 Nov 2015
Q&A
What happens if a judge recuses himself from a case?
31 Aug 2015