Catherine G Victorino

Initially I liked Cate. But as she began to work on my case, I realized she was confused, she couldn't keep anything straight, she couldn't litigate, and was disrespectful to me. Telling me I was stupid for being a housewife and for signing a prenup (which was supposed to protect me also). She kept... calling me asking me for the same documents over and over, she got figures mixed up, dates mixed up and threatened if I didn't do what she said, she would drop my case. I was left in tears frequently. She was not qualified or skilled to understand the law, fight to protect me as a woman, my welfare, or the money that was being taken from me. Im in my 50's and it was important. I had to acquiesce often, even when I felt she was doing the wrong thing and making the wrong decisions because she would fight with me. Cate is not a strong lawyer. I began to think they were scamming me, running up a $45,000.00 bill in 3 months and doing nothing for my case or protecting me. She got me in trouble with a judge, and could not hold opposing party accountable for disobeying the law. She yelled at me in mediation when no one was yelling. Cate gave me lots of bad legal advice then dropped my case because I had to let them know this is all wrong. There was a lack of humility and they did not care about me or my case. Catherine left my case in a terrible position. Later, new counsel said she did all the wrong things. I don't believe Cate and Obrian and Associates are qualified to deal with complicated divorce issues, and they could destroy your finances. It is unconscionable these lawyers feel they can take this kind of money from you; leaving you in a worse position. Lawyers like this believe they have power over you, when they are supposed to be working for you and lawfully fighting for your rights and your position fairly. Catherine damaged me and took $45,000 of my savings in 3 months. It was heart-wrenching. The fees they charged me were unreasonable and I believe their office intentionally called me frequently to rake up fees; going over the same points day after day. I think Cate is probably a nice person, but there is horrible incompetence in the office. The firm head would not even discuss reducing the fees. Kristopher was quite arrogant, and they felt justified in charging me $45,000 for shuffling paper around in 3 months. She did absolutely nothing for my case but get me in trouble with a judge and give me some poor legal advice. Catherine would never let me get to a judge because I believe she was afraid of the judge as well as opposing attorney. My case was left in jeopardy. I do not recommend Catherine Victorino or Obrian and Associates. There is much more to this that I won't go into, but I would not want this to happen to another woman. According to Washington conduct laws for lawyers, they are to consider and settle disputed fees fairly. Obrian and Associates refused, even though I had clear proof she couldn't handle my case. They were arrogant and not compassionate. They only cared about where their next $5000 was coming from. Sadly, I had to report her to the bar.

Catherine was extremely professional and straight forward with her approach to my case. She kept me informed during the entire process of all of my options and helped me make informed decisions. I was very emotional in the beginning and reacting out of anger. Catherine kept me focused by being honest... and straight forward with all possible outcomes and kept me on track. She did not file unnecessary motions or drag me through a process that wasn’t going to work. We come to an agreement that worked for us and Catherine was instrumental in us being able to obtain it without trial.

I find no other way to write this review than to make it personal, because that is the relationship you end up having with Ms. Victorino. First, I am not related to Cate in any other way than as a client. This is one client that hopes to return favor! I know I gave her outstanding marks...but ...she deserves all of them and I welcome any contact or questions you may have, if you are considering her as your lawyer and offer that to Cate for all she has done for me and my kids. I recommend Cate because she didn't just see me from a professional standpoint as "a client"...I believe it became personal with her as well. She wanted to help me not only get a fair result (at a minimum) but get through a very painful divorce. I can't tell you all the emails and phone calls I made to her...but she always responded quickly and gave my much more of her personal time than I would have got elsewhere to help me understand and DEAL with a pending divorce. Not long after contacting Cate, I soon felt she was not only my lawyer...but that she also treated me like a friend (with much welcomed, and experienced advice). She encouraged me to kept the process clean...even when initially I wanted to respond (in kind) to the the route the opposition chose to go. She showed class and professionalism and I soon felt I had a very respectable lawyer on my side. That's not to say she didn't empathize with me (which I needed as well)...but in the end her approach I think affected my getting a MUCH better outcome than either of us could ever have expected! Eventually, when it came to mediating (with the opposition's choice of mediator)...I believe he too saw the differences between the two lawyer's style...I have to believe that made an impact as well with the final result. She always told me what to expect...she didn't sugar coat anything. Then we tried AS A TEAM to get a better outcome from separation all the way to the final divorce decree and I am happy to say did MUCH better than I could have ever hoped. The opposition thought "The more you spend...the more you get". She got a law firm lawyer who cost much more, was less experienced AND professional, who "nickle and dimed" my Ex...as her lawyer tried her best to drag this all the way to trial with even more fees/expenses! If you help Cate help you even a little bit, then paralegals and big law office practices (and EXPENSE) are basically unnecessary. She does a great job in preparing, and will work well with you to best represent you as her client. You get personalized, professional attention you will never get from a law firm that only sees you as one of MANY clients to pay for their overhead. Understand, Cate listens to her clients. She'll give you her professional advise...but proceeds with your wishes after she is sure you understand the risks. I know you will be MUCH better off with Cate in the end if for no other reason than what was learned through my experiences and the results. I had dealt with an injury lawyer in the past. This is also the second round for our going down the path towards divorce, where previously I dealt with a law team and mediator...but this is the first I've taken the time to write a comment about my lawyer...because she deserves this praise and so much more! I really can't say enough good things about Cate. You will be happy with choosing her as your lawyer. I hope she refers any potential clients to speak to me directly if you are unsure and want more details!