Wood Smith Henning & Berman, LLP is proud to announce that partner Catherine Deter has been awarded the prestigious CLM's Phenoms Under 40 Award. This honor recognizes her exceptional contributions to the legal field, and highlights her commitment to leadership, mentorship, and advancing diversity within the profession.
With achievements well beyond her years, Catherine has successfully taken cases to verdict and engineered resolutions in some of the most challenging of circumstances. Handling matters nationwide with ease and skill, she exemplifies maturity and wisdom, earning the admiration of her colleagues through her inclusive and empowering management style. "Catherine's skills and dedication to her clients are nothing short of remarkable," said Stephen Henning, founding partner of WSHB. "Her leadership qualities and commitment to fostering an inclusive environment make her a true asset to our firm and the legal community."
In addition to her litigation success, Catherine is a thought leader and a published author, contributing valuable insights to the legal literature on architects, engineers, and design professionals. Her ability to analyze complex issues and distill them into insightful articles demonstrates her dedication to advancing the field. She also plays a vital role in mentoring the next generation of attorneys, particularly through her co-founding of the Southern California Women's Empowerment Group at WSHB. This initiative has created a supportive network for female lawyers, offering mentorship and opportunities for meaningful connections. She also plays a vital role in the firm's DEI mentorship program, helping new attorneys access the resources they need to thrive. Her commitment to recruiting and supporting female attorneys further exemplifies her dedication to advancing women's representation in the field.
Catherine expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating, "I am honored to receive the CLM's Phenoms Under 40 Award. This achievement reflects not only my efforts but also the incredible support I've received from my team and colleagues. Together, we strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute."
This award comes at a pivotal moment for Catherine, who recently became a mother while continuing to excel in her professional commitments. Her dedication to balancing motherhood and a demanding career is an inspiration to many.
WSHB is ranked among the top ten firms nationally for both female lawyers and female partners, an achievement that Catherine takes pride in, yet also views as motivation for continued progress. Her involvement in initiatives such as the Women's Empowerment Group and DEI mentorship reflects her belief that there is always more to accomplish, more connections to build, and more opportunities to support and empower colleagues.
The Phenoms Under 40 Award is a testament to Catherine Deter's exceptional leadership, expertise, and commitment to advancing the construction claims industry. With her impressive accomplishments and continued dedication to fostering inclusivity and growth, Catherine is poised to make an even greater impact on the legal landscape in the years to come.
For more information about Catherine Deter or Wood Smith Henning & Berman, LLP, please visit WSHB's website.
Wood Smith Henning & Berman: Your Trusted Partner
Experience the power of a proven industry leader in the law. Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB) is renowned globally for our exceptional trial results and expertise in handling complex litigation. With our nationwide network of over 500 lawyers across 42 office locations, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive litigation and counsel to both public and private companies. From start-ups to Fortune 100 corporations, we deliver unrivaled legal representation that consistently achieves favorable outcomes for our clients.
At WSHB, our strength lies in our diverse and accomplished team of attorneys. We boast thought leaders and defense specialists in over 41 fields of practice, covering an extensive range of specialties. Founded in 1997, we are proud to be among the top ten law firms in the nation for diversity, female partners, female lawyers, and Hispanic lawyers. This rich tapestry of diversity forms the foundation of our success when presenting cases to juries of our peers, ensuring we understand the unique nuances underlying each claim.
Our expansive geographic footprint allows us to provide effective and efficient representation to clients nationwide, regardless of their location, background, or legal expertise. By prioritizing strategic and cost-effective approaches to litigation, our dedicated attorneys work tirelessly to protect the interests of our clients. We have a track record of success, securing numerous victories such as summary judgments and defense verdicts on behalf of our clients. As a trial firm, we have taken over 2,000 cases to verdict, making us well-equipped to handle even the most complex and high-stakes litigation matters across the country.