Paul has been a respected and influential criminal law practitioner for over 30 years. As a prosecutor and Chief Attorney of a large Criminal Division, Paul has reviewed, consulted or directly handled over 10,000 felonies including every conceivable type of case. Paul has tried over 80 cases to verdict – ranging from Murder in the First Degree to Sexual Assault to Domestic Violence to Drug and Firearm crimes and Criminal Vehicular Homicide and Injury.
Paul’s experience and value extends beyond the courtroom, including being appointed to serve two terms by the Minnesota Supreme Court on the Advisory Committee on Rules of Criminal Procedure. Paul’s commitment to teaching and training keeps him involved in the broader Twin Cities legal community. Paul is an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice and Forensic Science Studies at Hamline University and has been an Adjunct Professor of Constitutional Criminal Procedure at Mitchell Hamline School of Law.
Paul has also been appointed to multiple committees charged with systematic improvement of the criminal justice system – including the Minnesota Attorney General’s Task Force on the improvement of handling sexual assault crimes. Paul has presented trainings on many topics at local, state, national and international seminars. The topics include Jury Selection, Forensic Evidence, Cross Examination, Law Enforcement Investigation and the Unique Aspects of Child Sexual Exploitation.
Paul has also been faculty at many multiday trial school courses aimed at improving attendee’s overall tactical and technical trial skills. Paul has recognized expertise, having been retained by cities and law enforcement agencies, involving law enforcement’s responsibility to identify so-called Brady officers and evaluating potential officer misconduct. Paul’s cases have been the subject of documentaries on Investigation Discovery, Oxygen True Crime and the true crime podcast Sword & Scale.
Paul’s passion of ensuring fair process for those who find themselves involved in the criminal justice system, or needing representation in other contested forums, will benefit from his fierce advocacy. Paul’s deep appreciation of court and litigation dynamics gives clients confidence their interests are always the first priority. Paul is eager to put his experience and background to work helping his clients achieve the best outcome possible.
Chapter co-author, “Law Enforcements Evolving Mission to Protect Children: A Multi-disciplinary Perspective Years Later.”
The Handbook of Child Maltreatment, J.E. Korbin & R.D. Krugman, Springer Publishing, 2nd Edition (2021)
Chapter Author/editor
(Chapter 2 – Charging)
Minnesota Judges Criminal Benchbook, Minnesota CLE Publications (2017-2020)
Contributing Author/editor
2018 Manual for Grand Jury Presentation, Minnesota County Attorneys Association (2018)