Fighting Your Legal Disputes With An Unwavering Focus On Results

Catherine (Cat) C. Clark

Catherine (Cat) C. Clark

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Practice Areas

  • Real Property Use & Ownership
  • Personal Injury
  • Appeals
  • Expert Witness & Consulting
  • Mediation & Arbitration
  • Commercial Litigation

Biography


 Appellate Opinions 
  Kubec v. Zuluaga, No. 54091-2-I (July 5, 2005, Unpublished Opinion) (Successful defense of summary judgment awarding purchaser client damages and attorneys fees against seller relating to seller's fraud and misrepresentation relating to real property); 
  City of Lynnwood v. Video Only, Inc. 118 Wn. App. 674, 77 P.3d 378 (2003), review denied January 7, 2004 (Successfully argued in a challenge to public use and necessity in an eminent domain action that the project must be considered as a whole and not be limited to the single property named in the suit);  
  Currin v. Raff, No. 50557-2-I (April 21, 2003, Unpublished Opinion), review denied, December 2, 2003 (Successful defense of restraining order against neighbor preventing trespass and summary judgment quieting title against neighbor's claims of adverse possession); 
  Peterson v. Rayfield, No. 49527-5-I (September 3, 2002, Unpublished Opinion) (Successful defense of verdict in favor of our interpretation of roadway maintenance agreement which interpretation did not restrict development of client's property);  
  Sattler v. Northwest Tissue Center, 110 Wn. App. 689, 42 P.3d 440 (No. 48157-6-I March 18, 2002, review denied October 29, 2002) (Reversal of trial court dismissal on summary judgment case involves the Uniform Anatomical Gifts Act);  
  Gaylord v. Snohomish County et al., No. 46663-1-I (November 26, 2001, Unpublished Decision) (Successful defense against attorneys fee claim by Snohomish County under Land Use Petition Act); 
  Faulkner v. Racquetwood Village Condominium Association, et al. , 106 Wn. App. 483, 23 P.3d 1135 ( June 4, 2001 ), review denied (December 2001) (Successful defense of condominium unit owner against claim by crime victim and homeowners association for damages from a crime which originated in common area of condominium).  
  
Personal Interests  

Snow skiing, travel, movies/film, reading.

Education

  • Gonzaga University School of Law, Spokane, Washington
    • Juris Doctorate - 1991
    • Honors: Law Review, Member
    • Honors: Moot Court Council
  • University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
    • B.A. - 1985
    • Honors: PacWest All Conference Academic Award
    • Honors: Four Year Varsity Letter & Athletic Scholarship – Swimming
    • Major: History & Political Science

Classes & Seminars

  • Scheduled Speaker, NATIONAL BUSINESS INSTITUTE, Title Law: A to Z, December 2017, Topic: Understanding Title Insurance & Ethical Considerations
  • Speaker, WASHINGTON APPELLATE LAWYERS ASSOCIATION, Appeals from the Inside Out: Behind the Scenes and the Podium at Division III, December 2016, Topic: Appeals Involving Real Property: Substantive Issues and Considerations For Appeals of Commercial & Residential Real Estate Law, Eminent Domain, Land Use, Deed & Liens, Easements, Quiet Title
  • Speaker, WASHINGTON STATE ASSOCIATION FOR JUSTICE, How to Survive & Thrive in the 1st Years of Practice, March 2016, Topic: Dealing with Obstructionist Opposing Counsel
  • Guest Lecturer, GONZAGA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW, Topic: The Law of Eminent Domain in Washington State, December 2015
  • Speaker, NATIONAL BUSINESS INSTITUTE, Legal Descriptions, Title Insurance & Surveys in Real Estate Transactions, July 2015, Topics: Legal Ethics & Other Issues that Arise in the Transaction
  • Speaker, LAW SEMINARS INTERNATIONAL, Public Participation Litigation, January 2015. Topic: Panel Member re: “So How’s it Working? What Types of Cases have Developed Since the New Anti-SLAPP Statute was Passed in 2010?”
  • Speaker, WASHINGTON STATE ASSOCIATION FOR JUSTICE, Annual Legal Staff Seminar, February 2014. Topic: Premises Liability
  • Speaker, NATIONAL BUSINESS INSTITUTE, Litigating Disputes over Easements and Restrictive Covenants, December 2013. Topics: Presenting Your Case, Case Law Update, and Real Life Ethics in Property Disputes
  • Speaker, NATIONAL BUSINESS INSTITUTE, Free and Low Cost Legal Tech for Your Law Practice, July 2013. Topic: Online Presence Management & Useful Tech for your Smartphone and iPad
  • Speaker, WASHINGTON STATE ASSOCIATION FOR JUSTICE, Depositions 101, March 2013. Topic: Expert Depositions: Preparing, Defending and Taking
  • Speaker, KING COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION, Monthly Lunch Meeting of Real Property, Probate & Trust Section, March 2013. Topic: Recent Washington State Supreme Court Cases: Real Estate & Probate
  • Speaker, WASHINGTON STATE BAR ASSOCIATION, The Law of Adjoining Properties, September 2012. Topic: Principles of Boundary Law: A Practical Approach
  • Speaker, NATIONAL BUSINESS INSTITUTE, Title Workshop: From Examination to Commitment, June 2012. Topic: Ethical Considerations
  • Speaker, WASHINGTON STATE ASSOCIATION FOR JUSTICE, Spokane’s Annual Ethics Seminar & Webcast, December 2011. Topic: The Perfect Storm: Social Media/Electronic Discovery Meets the RPC’s
  • Speaker, NATIONAL BUSINESS INSTITUTE, Resolving Real Estate Title Defects, November 2011. Topic: Ethical Considerations
  • Speaker, WASHINGTON STATE BAR ASSOCIATION, Ethics & Social Media, October 2011. Topic: Social Media: Common Sense & Ethics
  • Speaker, WASHINGTON STATE BAR ASSOCIATION, Real Estate Mid-Year Seminar, April 2011. Topic: Disclosure & Ethics in the World of the Economic Loss Rule
  • Speaker & Co-Chair, WASHINGTON STATE BAR ASSOCIATION, Are You Ready for the Media? Will It Be Your Big Break? March 2011. Topic: Are You Hiding in Plain Cite? Websites, Listservs, Public Blogging and Networking Websites & Panel Discussion on “How Do You Talk to the Press?”
  • Speaker, KING COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION, Women & Professionalism, January 2011. Topic: A panel discussion on professionalism, stereotypes, diversity, anti-bias, reputation, integrity, collegiality and fun
  • Speaker & Co-Chair, KING COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION, Parallel Universes: The Intersection Between Estates & Trusts and Real Property Issues, December 2010. Topics: Real Property Statutory & Case Law Update and Creditors Claims in Probate and Trust Matters: A Black Hole for the Real Estate Practitioner
  • Speaker, NATIONAL BUSINESS INSTITUTE, Current Challenges in Local Government Law, November 2010, Topics: Zoning & Code Enforcement Issues
  • Speaker & Co-Chair, WASHINGTON STATE BAR ASSOCIATION, Neighborhood Battles—Dealing with Warring Neighbors, October 2010. Topic: Yes, There Are Legal Theories! & Panel Discussion on Common Fact Patterns
  • Speaker, NATIONAL BUSINESS INSTITUTE, Litigating Disputes Over Easements & Restrictive Covenants, November 2009, Topics: Presenting Your Case & Real Life Ethics in Property Disputes
  • Speaker, WASHINGTON STATE BAR ASSOCIATION, Boundary Law Seminar, February 2009, Topic: Theories Relating to Boundary Disputes & Ethics
  • Speaker, NATIONAL BUSINESS INSTITUTE, In-Depth Title Insurance Principles, June 2008. Topics: Avoiding Ethical Disputes
  • Speaker, WASHINGTON STATE BAR ASSOCIATION, View Covenants, Easements, Liens & Encumbering Title, April 2008. Topic: Consensual & Non-Consensual Liens
  • Speaker, NATIONAL BUSINESS INSTITUTE, A Step-By-Step Guide to Understanding Easements, March 2008. Topics: Foundational Principles of Easements
  • Speaker, NATIONAL BUSINESS INSTITUTE, Real Estate Transactions Made Painless and Efficient, January, 2008. Topics: The Importance of Title to the Real Estate Transaction and Ethical Considerations in a Real Estate Transaction
  • Speaker, NATIONAL BUSINESS INSTITUTE, Resolving Real Estate Title Defects, October 2007. Topics: Ethical Considerations and Access and Road Issues
  • Speaker, NATIONAL BUSINESS INSTITUTE, Road and Access Law: Successfully Handling Disputes, August 2007. Topics: Current Case Law and Legislative Update and Ins and Outs of Private Road Creation and Use
  • Speaker, WASHINGTON STATE BAR ASSOCIATION, Second Annual Solo and Small Firm Conference, July 2007. Topic: Critical Title Insurance Tips and Strategic Considerations
  • Speaker, NATIONAL BUSINESS INSTITUTE, A Step-By-Step Guide to Understanding Easements, February 2007. Topics: Foundational Principles of Easements and Effectively Resolving Easement Disputes
  • Speaker, NATIONAL BUSINESS INSTITUTE, Real Estate Transactions Made Painless and Efficient, February, 2007. Topics: The Importance of Title to the Real Estate Transaction and Ethical Considerations in a Real Estate Transaction
  • Speaker, WASHINGTON STATE BAR ASSOCIATION, BEST OF CLE 2006, December, 2006, Topic: The Law of Adjoining Properties
  • Speaker, NATIONAL BUSINESS INSTITUTE, Resolving Title Issues, December 2006. Topics: The Concept of Marketable Title and Avoiding Ethical Issues in Real Estate
  • Speaker, NATIONAL BUSINESS INSTITUTE, Eminent Domain: Legal Update, October 2006. Topic: Key Eminent Domain Concepts
  • Speaker, WASHINGTON STATE BAR ASSOCIATION, Boundary Law Seminar, July 2006, Topic: Theories Relating to Boundary Disputes & Ethics
  • Speaker, WASHINGTON STATE BAR ASSOCIATION, Litigation Section Midyear, June 2006, Topic Real Estate Mock Expert Witness Examination
  • Speaker, NATIONAL BUSINESS INSTITUTE, A Step-by-Step Guide to Understanding Easements in Washington, February 2006. Topics: Foundational Principles of Easements and Effectively Resolving Easement Disputes
  • Speaker, LAW SEMINARS INTERNATIONAL, Government Takings, December 2005. Topic: Loss of Income & Other Damages: The Property Owner’s Perspective
  • Speaker, NATIONAL BUSINESS INSTITUTE, Meeting the Challenges of Washington Real Estate Title: Identifying Defects and Finding Solutions, November 2005. Topic: The Anatomy of a Real Estate Title & Ethics
  • Speaker, EAST KING COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION, October 19, 2005, Topic: Practical Solutions to Boundary Disputes
  • Speaker, NATIONAL BUSINESS INSTITUTE, An Advanced Look at Washington Real Estate Law, July 2005. Topics: Title Law and Ethical Obligations in Real Estate
  • Speaker, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL MORTGAGE WOMEN, Seattle Puget Sound Association LPO Seminar, March 2005. Topics: Title Insurance & Ethics
  • Speaker, NATIONAL BUSINESS INSTITUTE, Meeting the Challenges of Washington Real Estate Titles & Title Insurance, February 2005. Topic: The Anatomy of a Real Estate Title
  • Speaker, NATIONAL BUSINESS INSTITUTE, Washington Real Estate Title Law, October 2004. Topics: Commercial and Residential Title Examination & Ethics
  • Speaker, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL MORTGAGE WOMEN, Northwest Region Conference, October 2004. Topics: Title Insurance Policies, Ethics & Escrow Disputes
  • Speaker, INSTITUTE FOR PARALEGAL EDUCATION, The Essential Title Examination Guide for Washington Paralegals, September 2004. Topics: Title Problems? No Problem … & Five Things You Need to Know About Title Insurance
  • Speaker, NATIONAL BUSINESS INSTITUTE, An Advanced Look at Washington Real Estate Law, August 2004. Topics: Title Insurance, Ethics and Closing the Transaction
  • Speaker, NATIONAL BUSINESS INSTITUTE, The Keys to Success in a Real Estate Transaction in Washington, February 2004. Topics: Title Insurance, Ethics and Closing the Transaction
  • Speaker, HALF MOON LLC, Practical Real Estate Title Skills in Washington, December 2003, Topic: Constructing a Chain of Title
  • Speaker, NATIONAL BUSINESS INSTITUTE, Real Estate Title Law: Problems & Solutions, November 2003. Topics: Title Insurance, Ethical Considerations, Access & Road Issues
  • Speaker, GONZAGA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW, Boundary Disputes, Ethics & Practical Solutions, October 2003. Topics: Theories of Boundary Disputes, Ethics & Practical Solutions
  • Speaker, COLDWELL BANKER BAIN, Mercer Island Washington, September 2003, Topic: A Practical Approach to Boundary Disputes – What Does a Realtor Do?
  • Speaker, WASHINGTON STATE BAR ASSOCIATION, The Law of Adjoining Properties: Handling Matters Relating to Neighboring Lands, May, 2003. Topic: Principles of Boundary Law
  • Speaker, NATIONAL BUSINESS INSTITUTE, Mastering Real Estate Titles and Title Insurance in Washington, May 2003. Topics: Ethical Considerations and Title Insurance Claims and Litigation
  • Speaker, NATIONAL BUSINESS INSTITUTE, The Keys to Success in a Real Estate Transaction in Washington, January 2003. Topics: Title Insurance and Closing the Transaction
  • Speaker, KING COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION 2002 REAL ESTATE INSTITUTE, Title to Real Estate: Problems & Solutions, December 2002. Topic: Title Insurance
  • Speaker, NATIONAL BUSINESS INSTITUTE, Real Estate Title Law: Problems & Solutions, August 2002. Topic: Title Insurance
  • Speaker, NATIONAL BUSINESS INSTITUTE, The Keys to Success in a Real Estate Transaction in Washington, December 2001. Topics: Title Insurance and Closing the Transaction
  • Speaker, LORMAN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES, Real Property Security Instruments in Washington, December 2001. Topic: Liens Against Real Property
  • Speaker, NATIONAL BUSINESS INSTITUTE, The Paralegal’s Role in the Real Estate Transaction in Washington, December 2000. Topic: Title Insurance
  • Speaker, KING COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION 1999 REAL ESTATE INSTITUTE, December 1999. Topic: Acquisition of Private Property for Public Projects
  • Speaker, NATIONAL BUSINESS INSTITUTE, The Paralegal’s Role in the Real Estate Transaction in Washington, June 1999
  • Speaker, WASHINGTON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND, Purchase & Sale Seminar for Non-Profit Developers, May 1999. Topic: Negotiation Strategies
  • Speaker, KING COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION, Real Estate for the Non Real-Estate Practitioner, March 1999
  • Co-Chair, WASHINGTON STATE BAR ASSOCIATION, Essentials of Real Estate, November 1993 and February 1995

Pro-Bono Activities

  • Rotary Boys & Girls Club, Board Member, July 2016 to present
  • Gonzaga University School of Law, Board of Advisors, September 2010 to Present
  • Husky Swimming Foundation, Board Member, January 2010 to September 2013, President, Spring 2009 to December 2009
  • King County Superior Court, Arbitrator, 1999 to Present
  • King County Bar Association, FLI Program, 2011, 2013, 2014
  • King County Bar Association, Judicial Appreciation Dinner Committee, 1994 to 1995; YLD Programs Committee, 1993 to 1995
  • National Football League Youth Impact Program, Sponsor, February 2010 to Present
  • University of Washington Big “W” Club, Steward, December 2007 to October 2010, Steward of Student Athlete Relations, December 2007 to Fall 2009; Secretary, June 2005 to November 2007, Board Member, June 2002 to October 2010, Co-Creator of Student Athlete Mentoring Program
  • University of Washington Athletic Department Hall of Fame Selection Committee, 2004
  • University of Washington Pre-Title IX Dinner Committee, January 2006 to April 2007
  • University of Washington Alumni Advisory Committee for Head Swimming Coach Search, August – September 2006
  • University of Washington Tyee Board of Advisors Athlete Alumni Advancement SubCommittee, June 2007 to December 2008
  • University of Washington Swimming Alumni Board Member, September 1998 to Spring 2009
  • University of Washington Women’s Center, Board Member & Human Trafficking Task Force, July 2009 to September 2011
  • Washington Women Lawyers, Board Member & Heritage Vice President, October 2011

Past Positions

  • Washington Supreme Court, Olympia, WA, Honorable Robert F. Brachtenbach (retired) of the Washington Supreme Court, Law Clerk, August 1991 – August 1992
  • Williams Clark, PSC f/k/a Williams & Williams PSC Bothell, WA, Partner, January 2002 to January 2006
  • Williams Clark, PSC f/k/a Williams & Williams PSC Bothell, WA, Attorney, December 1999 – December 2001
  • Oles Morrison Rinker & Baker LLP, Seattle, WA, Associate Attorney, January 1996 – September 1999
  • Stewart Holding Company (n/k/a Pacific Northwest Title Insurance Company), Seattle, WA, Claims Counsel, June 1993 – December 1995
  • Seligmann, Dreiling & Beckerman, Seattle, WA, Associate Attorney, August 1992 – April 1993

Published Works

  • WASHINGTON STATE ASSOCIATION FOR JUSTICE, Auto Deskbook, 2017, Chapter Author: What Every Practitioner Should Know to Properly Preserve the Appellate Record
  • WASHINGTON STATE BAR ASSOCIATION, Real Property Deskbook Editorial Board, 2013-2014
  • WASHINGTON STATE BAR ASSOCIATION, Real Property Deskbook Editorial Board, 2007-2008 and Chapter Author: Insuring Interests in Real Property. Published 2009
  • West Legal Ed. Online, www.westlegaledcenter.com, Mastering Real Estate Titles and Title Insurance in Washington, Fall 2003
  • King County Bar Association, BAR BULLETIN, Volume 21, Issue 11, July 2003, Profile of James F. Nagle
  • King County Bar Association, BAR BULLETIN, Volume 21, Issue 10, June 2003, Valuation of Leisure Time
  • King County Bar Association, BAR BULLETIN, Volume 20, Issue 11, July 2002, 15 Practical Points for Writing a Brief
  • John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1998 CONSTRUCTION LAW UPDATE (N. Sweeney ed.), Contributing Author, Correction or Withdrawal of a Bid: A State Law Survey
  • Catherine Cecily Clark, Video Trial Transcripts: A Review of Washington’s Current System, 26 GONZ. L. REV. 585 (1991)

Professional Associations

  • American Bar Association
  • Washington State Association for Justice
  • King County Bar Association
  • Washington Appellate Lawyers Association

Certified Legal Specialties

  • Certified Instructor, Real Estate Law/Real Estate Finance/Real Estate Closing Practices/Property Management & Leasing/Legal Aspects/Ethics & Standards of Practice, No. I2051, Expired August 21, 2013, Washington State Department of Licensing
  • National Institute of Trial Advocacy, Graduate, June 2001

Current Employment Position

  • Attorney/Founder

Bar Admissions

  • Washington
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit
  • U.S. District Court Western District of Washington
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of Washington

Honors

  • Washington State Bar Association, Washington Appellate Lawyers Association, 2014
  • AV Rating, LexisNexis/ Martindale-Hubble, 2012
  • Washington Super Lawyers, 2011, 2012
  • Rising Star in Washington State Law, Washington Law & Politics Magazine, 2001
  • Washington State Bar Association Best of, Law of Adjoining Properties, 2006

Representative Cases

  • James Gorman IV v. City of Woodinville, 175 Wn.2d 68, 283 P.2d 1082 (2012) affirming Gorman v. City of Woodinville, 160 Wn. App. 759, 249 P.3d 1040 (2011)
  • Freeman v. Gregoire, 171 Wn.2d 316, 256 P.2d 264 (2011)
  • Kelley v. Tonda, 2017 Wash. App. LEXIS 734 (2017)
  • McKinley v. Ma, No. 71102-4-I (February 9, 2015)
  • Uhrich v. Mt. Si Const., No. 70568-7-I (August 25, 2014)
  • Beriault v. King, No. 61636-6-I (February 9, 2009, Unpublished Opinion)
  • Kubec v. Zuluaga, No. 54091-2-I (July 5, 2005, Unpublished Opinion)
  • City of Lynnwood v. Video Only, Inc. 118 Wn. App. 674, 77 P.3d 378 (2003), review denied January 7, 2004
  • Currin v. Raff, No. 50557-2-I (April 21, 2003, Unpublished Opinion)
  • Peterson v. Rayfield, No. 49527-5-I (September 3, 2002, Unpublished Opinion)
  • Sattler v. Northwest Tissue Center, 110 Wn. App. 689, 42 P.3d 440 (No. 48157-6-I March 18, 2002, review denied October 29, 2002)
  • Gaylord v. Snohomish County et al., No. 46663-1-I (November 26, 2001, Unpublished Decision)
  • Faulkner v. Racquetwood Village Condominium Association, et al., 106 Wn. App. 483, 23 P.3d 1135 (June 4, 2001)
  • M.A. Mortenson Company, Inc. v. Timberline Software Corporation, et al., 140 Wn.2d 568, 998 P.2d 305 (May 4, 2000)
  • Neckas v. Holt, 96 Wn. App. 1009 (June 21, 1999, Unpublished Opinion) review denied, 139 Wn.2d 1024 (February 8, 2000)