Paula Kirlin (she/her) is the Co-Founder, Chief Legal Officer, and COO of Better Coliving, the first U.S. coliving company focused exclusively on the 55+ age demographic. Having led legal and policy strategy for two real estate startups, Paula is a passionate advocate for creative, community-focused housing initiatives. 

Paula is also an experienced land use and environmental lawyer. She was previously a partner at the law firms of Holland & Knight LLP and Monchamp Meldrum LLP, where she advised real estate developers, investors, and public agencies on all aspects of the land use entitlement process for complex, urban, mixed-use developments, including due diligence, entitlements, permitting, and compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Her pro bono legal work is dedicated to human rights and immigration advocacy.

Paula serves on the SPUR San Jose Policy Board and volunteers as a mentor with Oakland Promise.