Catherine (Cat) C. Clark

A Distinguished Career in Washington Appellate Practice

Catherine C. Clark is a Washington appellate attorney with more than three decades of experience handling complex civil, commercial, constitutional, property, and criminal matters. She founded Sound Appeals to provide focused appellate advocacy, strategic litigation consulting, and persuasive written and oral advocacy before state and federal appellate courts. Sound Appeals is the natural next step in Ms. Clark’s career having practiced under the name of The Law Office of Catherine C. Clark PLLC since the Spring of 2006.

Her legal career spans private practice, judicial service, and in-house counsel roles. After earning her law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law—where she served on Law Review and Moot Court Council—Ms. Clark clerked for the Honorable Robert F. Brachtenbach of the Washington Supreme Court. That experience shaped her approach to appellate work: disciplined preparation, rigorous legal analysis, and a deep understanding of how appellate courts evaluate issues, records, and arguments.

Extensive Appellate Experience Across Washington and the Ninth Circuit

Ms. Clark has represented clients in the Washington Supreme Court, all three divisions of the Washington Court of Appeals, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and federal district courts throughout Washington. Her appellate work includes published and unpublished decisions involving commercial disputes, real estate litigation, eminent domain, insurance coverage, civil rights, family law, and criminal matters. She has participated in dozens of reported appellate decisions and maintains an active statewide appellate practice.

In addition to representing parties on appeal, Ms. Clark is frequently retained by trial attorneys to assist with issue preservation, dispositive motions, appellate strategy, brief writing, and oral argument preparation. She believes that successful appeals begin long before a notice of appeal is filed, and she regularly works with trial counsel to build records and frame issues that will withstand appellate scrutiny.

Strategic Insight, Clear Advocacy, and Practical Judgment

Known for her ability to distill large records into clear appellate narratives, Ms. Clark identifies reversible error, develops persuasive legal arguments, and presents complex issues with clarity and precision. Her background includes service as Claims Counsel for a regional title insurance company and nearly two decades as a court-appointed arbitrator for the King County Superior Court—roles that demanded analytical discipline, strategic judgment, and the ability to resolve complicated disputes.

Her practice reflects a simple philosophy: appellate courts decide legal issues, but effective appellate advocacy requires telling a compelling and credible story grounded in the record and the law.

Instructor and Contributor to the Legal Community

Ms. Clark has served on multiple editions of the Washington State Bar Association Real Property Deskbook editorial board and has authored chapters on real property and appellate topics. She is a frequent presenter for the Washington State Bar Association, Washington State Association for Justice, Washington Appellate Lawyers Association, National Business Institute, and law schools throughout the Northwest. Her recent presentations focus on appellate advocacy, emerging legal issues, and the practical and ethical use of artificial intelligence in legal practice.

Her professional accomplishments include recognition in Best Lawyers in America, repeated inclusion in Washington Super Lawyers, and an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. She has also been honored by the Washington State Bar Association for her contributions to continuing legal education and professional service.

Ms. Clark is a long-standing member of the Washington Appellate Lawyers Association, an invitation-based group that admits only attorneys who have demonstrated significant appellate experience and earned peer endorsement.

A Foundation Built on Competitive Discipline and Commitment

Ms. Clark’s approach to appellate practice is shaped by the discipline and resilience developed during her years as an NCAA Division I scholarship swimmer at the University of Washington. The preparation, focus, and competitive drive required in elite athletics continue to inform her work—manifesting in careful planning, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence in every appeal.

Community Engagement and Mentorship

Beyond her legal practice, Ms. Clark is deeply involved in professional and community service. She served for 15 years on advisory boards for Gonzaga University School of Law and participates extensively in University of Washington athletics and mentoring initiatives. She is committed to supporting future lawyers, student-athletes, and community leaders.

Personal Interests

Snow skiing, travel, movies/film, reading.