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.

For those of us who have had to deal with the legal system to fight for our families, it creates a very challenging time on many levels. What I’ve found is that in those unfortunate cases, the attorney can make all the difference. I recently called Catherine for some advice on a situation with my e...x who refuses to pay his share of shared expenses. It would cost me more in legal fees to collect than the amount due which is why it didn’t make sense to take action (which I’m sure my ex knew). She was very helpful and told me about some community resources that I had no idea were even available. I have found that it’s difficult to find an attorney who is a good fit for one’s needs because so many won’t spend even 5 minutes with you without charging you their minimum hour fee. I appreciated her compassion and resourcefulness and highly recommend her. I will definitely be using her the next time I have a matter that requires representation.

Cate was instrumental in getting my divorce done fast, on fair terms and in a very cost-effective way—everything I wanted. Cate has unique combination of skills—trained lawyer and financial adviser, with deep understanding of human psychology and how to get things done. But probably the most impor...tant, she is your loyal friend and wise adviser/partner when you really need it—during the divorce. I’m very lucky that I've met Cate (it was by referral). Now I want to help others to reclaim their lives—finalize your divorce and start living!