Thea Paolini

Thea Paolini became an attorney because she believes in the processes put in place which govern this country. She has a deep desire to use the law to attain justice for her clients and is guided by uncompromising ethics. She is also an advocate for the advancement of women in business and legal positions of power.

A true generalist, Thea is an adaptable, well-rounded attorney who strives to empower her clients to solve their problems efficiently. Thea began her career as a small business owner—starting a floral design business immediately after receiving her undergraduate degree from Gettysburg College. She owned and operated the business for four years in Central Pennsylvania before returning to academia. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Thea attended the Pennsylvania State University, Smeal College of Business, graduating in 2017 with an M.B.A. with concentrations in strategic leadership and entrepreneurship.

After a short stint as an assistant district attorney, Thea spent the first few years of her career practicing in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania with Nauman, Smith, Shissler, & Hall LLP, a general business firm. While there, she worked with business and individual clients, ranging from sole proprietors to national corporations. Although she helped with many types of general business law issues, Thea spent most of her time working on commercial litigation matters for railroads and news media organizations. She has worked on a variety of litigation cases including defending businesses in the areas of general liability, employment, and both sides of FOIA and Pennsylvania Right to Know Law matters.

Thea relocated to Northern Virginia and joined Cook, Craig, and Francuzenko in January 2021. In addition to continuing her commercial litigation practice, Thea also works on Constitutional matters and general litigation matters. Her varied educational background provides her with the unique ability to balance strategy wi

Pennsylvania State University Smeal College of Business

MBA (2017) | Strategic Leadership and Entrepreneurship

2017

Honors: Beta Gamma Sigma Business Honors Fraternity

University of Pittsburgh School of Law

J.D. (2015)

2015

Honors: Cum Laude

Gettysburg College

B.S. (2008) | Biology

2008

Honors: Magna Cum Laude

Activities: Minor in Studio Arts

Associate Attorney

Cook Craig & Francuzenko, PLLC

2021 - Current

Associate Attorney

Nauman Smith Shissler & Hall

2018 - 2021

Virginia State Bar

Member

Current

District of Columbia Bar

Member

Current

State Bar of Pennsylvania

Member

Current

District of Columbia

District of Columbia Bar

Pennsylvania

Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania

Virginia

Virginia State Bar

• Constitutional Rights Defense Litigation
• Commercial Litigation
• First Amendment and FOIA Law
• Rail & Transportation Law