About Paula
Paula Hough began her path to law at the University of Florida, where she earned a B.A. in Criminology and Law in 1991. She continued her studies at The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law and received her J.D. in 2002. Her education combined an early interest in the criminal justice system with formal legal training.
Her first professional role after law school was at the Fairfax County Public Defender's Office in 2003. She spent that time representing clients who could not afford private counsel. The experience shaped her courtroom approach. It also provided steady exposure to trial work and case preparation.
After public defense, Hough entered private practice. She worked at the Gordon Law Office starting in 2007. In 2009 she became a partner at Brisendine, Overand, Buster and Bernstein, P.C. She then joined the Law Office of Gregory R. Hough as a partner in 2010. In 2017 she became a partner at BernsteinHough, P.C., where she remains today. The sequence of roles shows a steady rise through both public and private practice over more than a decade.
Her professional associations reflect ongoing involvement in the local legal community. She has been a member of the Henrico County Bar Association since 2007. She joined the executive board of the Greater Richmond Criminal Bar Association in 2015 and continues in that role. She has also been a member of the Richmond Metro Women’s Bar Association since 2019. These memberships suggest regular engagement with peers and continuing legal education activities.
Hough is admitted to practice in Virginia and in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Her early work in a public defender's office and subsequent positions in criminal-bar organizations indicate a practice centered on criminal defense work. Colleagues describe her courtroom experience and steady handling of trial matters that arise in both state and federal venues.
Her career trajectory is marked by steady movement from public service into partner roles in private firms. She has taken on administrative and leadership responsibilities while maintaining a docket that includes contested matters. She handles cases in Virginia courts and federal court in the Eastern District of Virginia.
She practices at BernsteinHough, P.C., where her work involves criminal defense matters in Virginia and in federal court.
