Catherine Deter
Partner, Wood Smith Henning & Berman LLP
Catherine Deter is a true powerhouse in the legal field and epitomizes the meaning of the award for a “Phenom Under 40” for her exceptional work as an attorney alone. But she also stands out for her commitment to mentoring and empowering women in the claims and litigation community.
In fact, being a mentor for younger female attorneys is Deter’s proudest career achievement. As a co-founder of the Southern California Women’s Empowerment Group at Wood Smith Henning & Berman, Deter has created a supportive forum for female lawyers to share experiences unique to women in law. She says of the group, “The women’s empowerment group hosts deep conversations, and we strive to make every member of the group feel heard and supported. We share experiences and provide a safe space to voice our practical solutions for implementing an inclusive community.”
When it comes to her work as an attorney, Deter’s nominator states, “Catherine is handling matters throughout the nation with ease and skill. …Catherine’s ability to effectively manage a diverse team of attorneys, some of whom may have more experience and seniority, showcases her exceptional leadership qualities and her commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment.”
Deter’s nomination comes at a pivotal moment for her, as she recently became a new mother. She says, “Being a full-time mom and a full-time litigator is a balance, and I hope to inspire other working moms to stay true to themselves and embrace both a passion for legal work and motherhood.”
Deter says perhaps the most important component to success is developing a sense of community within your profession. She says, “Find a firm whose values resonate with you, whose people support you, and then find a way to get involved in a community that supports you, like CLM, to help lift you up. And then you can also help others up along the way.”