Paula de Sousa Named a 2026 Woman of Influence in Law by San Diego Business Journal
Honored Among San Diego’s Leading Women in Law for Legal Excellence and Commitment to Public Service
Best Best & Krieger LLP (BBK) Partner Paula de Sousa has been named one of the San Diego Business Journal's 50 Women of Influence in Law for 2026, recognizing her distinguished legal career, leadership and contributions to California’s public agency community. The annual recognition celebrates accomplished women in the legal profession who have demonstrated professional excellence, leadership and a meaningful impact on their organizations, industries and communities.
With more than 25 years of experience, de Sousa is a trusted adviser to public agencies and special districts throughout California. As a partner in BBK’s Special Districts practice group, she serves as general and special counsel to numerous water, utility and other public agencies, as well as Local Agency Formation Commissions across the state. She provides counsel on critical issues involving water and wastewater services, public agency governance, land use and local government reorganizations.
De Sousa's impact extends beyond her legal practice. Through leadership and involvement with organizations including the California Special Districts Association and the California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions (CALAFCO), she has supported legislative initiatives, provided guidance on legal and regulatory developments affecting local agencies and helped advance the interests of public agencies statewide.
Her depth of experience, dedication to public service and longstanding leadership within the special districts community have made de Sousa a respected resource for public agencies and the communities they serve.
Read the full list of San Diego Business Journal's 50 Women of Influence in Law for 2026 here.
