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.

My experience with Catherine Victorino was less than positive, productive and helpful. I have not experienced any attorney present or past to be confusing and vague. For me, Catherine was just that. Many times in conversation, I would get opposing counsel on what I had been previously told. Con...versations went around and around with vague answers and was left thinking she did not have answers, just playing the ‘I’m an attorney’ card. Specifics of disrespect are her referring to a son of mine by ‘what’s his name’, not inquisitive but condescending. Telling me frequently how busy she is, hasn’t eaten all day, so many trial dates ect. I don’t care! I’m your client as well a when I’m paying for your time, I don’t care if you haven’t had lunch yet! Weird and unprofessional. I needed facts of what I was up against in a complicated divorce. And of course I’m billed for her to educate herself and paralegal on matters. There was next to no communication with her paralegal, only Cate would talk with me. Maybe higher billing per hour?? Hmmm. All to say, I strongly believe my experience with Cate was subpar and in the end I did fire her. Not at all a helpful relationship in a very difficult time.

I had horrible experiences with lawyers in my past and Cate was absolutely fantastic. For the first time I was actually counseled and informed about basic terms regarding my parenting plan. With Cate's help I was finally able to win against my ex and not be taken advantage of. Thank you so much for a...ll your help and services! Will be contacting Cate again if needed!

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.

Catherine Victornio is a very proficient attorney, but she has genuine empathy for her clients. In my opinion, this makes her push herself harder to get the desired outcome. This is exactly what she did for me, including following up after the case had concluded to check that I was doing well. Fro...m my initial contact with Cate, it was obvious that she was already well versed in everything it was going to take to get my divorce taken care of. To say she was conscientious and caring would be an understatement. We had to work together long distance, and her whole staff worked collectively to make certain all documents, signatures, and anything necessary was processed accurately and timely. Every question I asked, they already had answered. My entire experience with the team felt more like they were friends or family who were taking care of me rather that a group of people I had not met shuffling papers. Because of the tight timeframe we had to work together, I sent way too emails and documentation and called more that I should have. Cate was always reassuring and managed to sift through mountains of documents to get just what the court needed. Her tasks would have probably been simpler without my impediment, but she got through all that with grace, dignity and won. Make a note of that – she won what I had been told was a losing battle. Cate’s knowledge of the law and the legal system in general is second to none. She easily recognized when the opposing side was up to no good and quickly walked away and strengthened our position. She labored under difficult circumstances and a shortened time frame to achieve the very best outcome for me – exactly the outcome I needed. Her expertise notwithstanding, it was her caring and understanding that really helped me get through this ordeal. The entire team made me feel comforted, confident and assured. I am aware of how many late nights Cate worked hard for me and worked hard to keep me at ease. Cate continuously made me aware of what to expect and what the possibilities might be, I was never in the dark about the process. It is most likely her compassion that has strengthened her abilities.