The Law Office Of Catherine C. Clark

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The Law Office Of Catherine C. Clark

Fighting Your Legal Disputes With An Unwavering Focus On Results

Catherine C. Clark

Professional Summary

Catherine C. Clark is an appellate attorney with more than three decades of experience in Washington’s appellate courts, including the Washington Supreme Court and all three divisions of the Court of Appeals. Her work spans published decisions, complex civil and criminal appeals, eminent domain, real estate litigation, and strategic trial support for issue preservation. She is recognized for her precise written advocacy, deep knowledge of Washington appellate procedure, and her commitment to mentoring the next generation of legal professionals.

Education

  • Gonzaga University School of Law, J.D., 1991 Law Review; Moot Court Council
  • University of Washington, B.A., History & Political Science, 1985 Academic Honors; PacWest All Conference Academic Award; Four-Year Varsity Letter & Athletic Scholarship – Swimming

Bar Admissions

  • Washington State Bar (1991)
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington

Professional Experience

  • Founder, Law Office of Catherine C. Clark, PLLC (2006–present) Trial & appellate practice including real estate, commercial litigation, significant personal injury, indigent criminal defense, and complex appeals.
  • Partner, Williams Clark, PSC (2002–2006) Litigation (real estate, eminent domain, land use, municipal law); transactional real estate; appellate practice.
  • Attorney, Williams & Williams PSC (1999–2001)
  • Associate Attorney, Oles Morrison Rinker & Baker LLP (1996–1999) Real estate, construction, land use, insurance defense, business entities, and appellate practice.
  • Claims Counsel, Stewart Title (Pacific Northwest Title Insurance Company) (1993–1995) Title insurance claims, escrow issues, coverage analysis, and supervision of outside counsel.
  • Associate Attorney, Seligmann, Dreiling & Beckerman (1992–1993) General litigation.
  • Law Clerk, Washington Supreme Court Clerk to the Honorable Robert F. Brachtenbach (1991–1992).

Professional Memberships

  • Washington Appellate Lawyers Association (Voting Member)
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • Washington State Association for Justice
  • Ninth Circuit, Western District, Eastern District federal admissions

Awards & Honors

  • AV Preeminent Rating, Martindale-Hubbell (2012–present)
  • Best Lawyers in America (2016–present)
  • Washington Super Lawyers (2011–2012, 2014–present) — Eminent Domain, Real Estate & Business Litigation
  • WSBA Best of CLE Award, 2006
  • Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, WSBA (2005)
  • Rising Star in Washington Law, 2001
  • WSTLA Law Student Public Service Award, 1991

Certifications & Professional Training

  • Pepperdine University School of Law, Mediating the Litigated Case (2017)
  • National Institute of Trial Advocacy, Graduate (2001)
  • Washington State Department of Licensing, Certified Instructor (Real Estate Law & Practices) (expired 2013)

Publications

Includes multiple chapters in the WSBA Real Property Deskbook, including Easements & Licenses and Insuring Interests in Real Property (2009, 2024). Also author of appellate-focused chapters for the WSAJ Auto Deskbook (2018) and numerous articles for the King County Bar Bulletin.

Selected Speaking Engagements

Throughout her career, Catherine C. Clark has presented more than 100 continuing legal education programs, professional seminars, and attorney training sessions. Her presentations have been delivered for bar associations, law schools, legal education providers, and other legal organizations throughout Washington and the Pacific Northwest.

Organizations include:

  • Washington State Bar Association
  • Washington State Association for Justice
  • Washington Appellate Lawyers Association
  • National Business Institute
  • Pacific Northwest Academy of Legal Studies in Business
  • University of Washington
  • Gonzaga University School of Law

Presentation topics have included:

  • Appellate advocacy
  • Issue preservation
  • Persuasive brief writing
  • Real property and land use law
  • Eminent domain
  • Professional ethics
  • Artificial intelligence in legal practice
  • Legal technology
  • Leadership and professional development
  • Student-athlete mentoring and career development

Representative Appellate Cases

A complete list of decided appellate cases is available on the Representative Cases page.

Examples include:

  • James Gorman IV v. City of Woodinville, 175 Wn.2d 68 (2012)
  • Little v. Rosauers Supermarkets, Inc., 24 Wn. App. 2d 898 (2022)
  • Wolf v. State of Washington, 2 Wn.3d 93 (2023)
  • Barlow v. WSU, 2 Wn.3d 583 (2024)
  • State v. Lopez, 2026 Wash. App. LEXIS 994 (2026)

Amicus Curiae Work

Ms. Clark has submitted amicus briefs in significant Washington Supreme Court cases involving statutory interpretation, victims’ rights, property law, and emerging legal doctrines.

Includes submissions to the Washington Supreme Court on issues involving:

  • Clean energy siting
  • Judgment redemption
  • Crime victim rights
  • Emerging adult doctrine
  • Stare decisis
  • Color of title
  • Public infrastructure (I-90 light rail)

Community Engagement

  • Executive Director & Founding Member, 1861 NIL Foundation
  • Board of Advisors, Gonzaga University School of Law
  • UW Athletic Department volunteer (leadership & career mentoring)
  • King County Superior Court Arbitrator (1999–2019)
  • UW Big “W” Club leadership roles
  • UW Women’s Center Board & Human Trafficking Task Force