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Paula Pendley

Paula Pendley

Partner

3333 Lee Parkway
Suite 750
Dallas, TX 75219
5830 Granite Parkway
Suite 1000
Plano, TX 75024
paula.pendley@nelsonmullins.com

Paula is a dynamic, client-focused lawyer, who concentrates her practice on high-stakes product liability, mass tort, and emerging technology sectors, such as Bitcoin mining and AI Data Center infrastructure. She has handled high-profile litigation in venues coast to coast, and her extensive experience in trial advocacy and managing trials sets her apart. Renowned for...

Paula is a dynamic, client-focused lawyer, who concentrates her practice on high-stakes product liability, mass tort, and emerging technology sectors, such as Bitcoin mining and AI Data Center infrastructure. She has handled high-profile litigation in venues coast to coast, and her extensive experience in trial advocacy and managing trials sets her apart. Renowned for her people-focused approach, Paula skillfully connects with clients, judges, and juries, transforming complex legal issues into compelling narratives that resonate. 

Paula has defended manufacturers of products from a variety of industries, including automotive, industrial, energy, food & beverage, construction, and consumer goods. She advises Bitcoin mining companies and data center operators on legal challenges and risk management strategies, helping clients navigate the nuances of environmental claims and community relations, including noise nuisance, environmental concerns, and operational risks.  Her hands-on involvement from the initial stages of a case through to verdict equips her clients with tailored defense and risk mitigation strategies grounded in technical insight. Her unique blend of advocacy, technical knowledge, and client-focused service makes her a valued partner for clients in the rapidly evolving landscapes.

Outside the courtroom, she is an active community member, contributing to Attorneys Serving the Community, which fosters positive change and support for women, children, and families in the Dallas area. She is also a member of the Texas Blockchain Council to stay informed on emerging policies and regulatory developments.

Paula Pendley

her people-focused approach, Paula skillfully connects with clients, judges, and juries, transforming complex legal issues into compelling narratives that resonate. 

Paula has defended manufacturers of products from a variety of industries, including automotive, industrial, energy, food & beverage, construction, and consumer goods. She advises Bitcoin mining companies and data center operators on legal challenges and risk management strategies, helping clients navigate the nuances of environmental claims and community relations, including noise nuisance, environmental concerns, and operational risks.  Her hands-on involvement from the initial stages of a case through to verdict equips her clients with tailored defense and risk mitigation strategies grounded in technical insight. Her unique blend of advocacy, technical knowledge, and client-focused service makes her a valued partner for clients in the rapidly evolving landscapes.

Outside the courtroom, she is an active community member, contributing to Attorneys Serving the Community, which fosters positive change and support for women, children, and families in the Dallas area. She is also a member of the Texas Blockchain Council to stay informed on emerging policies and regulatory developments.

Paula is a dynamic, client-focused lawyer, who concentrates her practice on high-stakes product liability, mass tort, and emerging technology sectors, such as Bitcoin mining and AI Data Center infrastructure. She has handled high-profile litigation in venues coast to coast, and her extensive experience in trial advocacy and managing trials sets her apart. Renowned for... her people-focused approach, Paula skillfully connects with clients, judges, and juries, transforming complex legal issues into compelling narratives that resonate. 

Paula has defended manufacturers of products from a variety of industries, including automotive, industrial, energy, food & beverage, construction, and consumer goods. She advises Bitcoin mining companies and data center operators on legal challenges and risk management strategies, helping clients navigate the nuances of environmental claims and community relations, including noise nuisance, environmental concerns, and operational risks.  Her hands-on involvement from the initial stages of a case through to verdict equips her clients with tailored defense and risk mitigation strategies grounded in technical insight. Her unique blend of advocacy, technical knowledge, and client-focused service makes her a valued partner for clients in the rapidly evolving landscapes.

Outside the courtroom, she is an active community member, contributing to Attorneys Serving the Community, which fosters positive change and support for women, children, and families in the Dallas area. She is also a member of the Texas Blockchain Council to stay informed on emerging policies and regulatory developments.

Experience

The following is a selected sampling of matters and is provided for informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in any future matter.

Representative Matters (*Jury Trials)

  • Cardillo v. American International Industries
  • Sarah J. Plant v. Avon Products Inc., et al.
  • McGowan, et al., v. Murphy-Brown LLC
  • Gillis v. Murphy-Brown, LLC d/b/a Smithfield Foods Hog Production Division
  • Lashley v. American International Industries
  • Danny Shaw and Shirley Shaw v. John Crane Inc., et al.
  • Castillo v. Cleaver Brooks, Inc., et al.
  • Susan Hill, Individually and as Personal Representative of The Estate of Charles Tyrone Hill v. Air & Liquid Systems, et al.
  • Kordestani v. 3M Company, et al.

Previous Professional Experience

  • Partner, Dallas Law Firm (2019–2023)
  • Partner, Los Angeles Law Firm (2012–2019)
  • Associate, Los Angeles Law Firm (2009–2012)

Internships

  • Judicial Extern for Hon. Lawrence Mira of Malibu Superior Court
  • Intern, California Attorney General’s Office, Employment, Regulations, and Administrative division.
  • Teachers Assistant for Prof. Thomas Stipanowich, Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution.

Educational Activities

  • Earned Certificate at Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, 2009.
  • Assisted in publication of the article “Arbitration: The ‘New Litigation’
  • Assisted in publication of book, Mediators Acting as Arbitrators.

Education

  • Pepperdine University School of Law, JD (2009)
    • Trial Advocacy Team
    • Alternative Dispute Resolution, Certificate
    • Phi Alpha Delta, Justice
  • Pepperdine University, BA, cum laude (2006)
    • Phi Beta Kappa

Admissions

  • Texas
  • California
  • U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas

Practice Areas

Industries

The bar rules of some states require that the standards for an attorney's inclusion in certain public accolades or recognitions be provided. When such accolades or recognitions are listed, a hyperlink is provided that leads to a description of the respective selection methodology.

  • Member, Defense Research Institute (DRI)
  • Member, Los Angeles County Bar Association, Litigation Section
  • Member, Texas State Bar Association
  • Member, Attorneys Serving the Community