Catherine L. Deter

Catherine Deter is a highly accomplished trial lawyer and partner at WSHB’s Orange County office. With a wealth of experience in defense litigation, Catherine is known for her exceptional representation of national and regional construction, engineering, and architectural firms, as well as real estate professionals.

Catherine's passion lies in protecting the rights of architects, engineers, and other design professionals. She prides herself on her ability to quickly resolve complex claims and favorably represent creative individuals. In addition, Catherine has successfully represented some of the country's largest builders and developers, showcasing her expertise in construction litigation.

As a thought leader in errors and omissions (E&O) claims, design professional, and construction, Catherine is frequently invited to speak at national conferences and contribute as an author in renowned publications. Her insights and knowledge are highly sought after, making her a respected authority in the field.

When she's not in the courtroom, Catherine specializes in pre-claim assistance, offering invaluable guidance to clients on risk management and avoiding future claims. Her strategic approach to pre-claim assistance and early litigation defense often leads to swift and favorable resolutions, saving clients significant time and costs.

Catherine is committed to empowering women in the legal profession and is proud to be a founding member of the women's empowerment group at the Orange County office. This group provides a platform for young female associates to address the unique challenges they face in their careers.

In addition to her expertise in construction litigation, Catherine handles a diverse range of cases, including high exposure catastrophic injury cases, automobile accidents, products liability, wrongful death actions, mold and water intrusion claims, real estate disputes, habitability claims, environmental and pollution matters, and business transactions. She is also highly skilled in litigating and counseling professional liability claims, including veterinary malpractice claims.

With Catherine Deter's extensive experience, unwavering dedication, and proven track record, clients can trust that their legal matters are in the hands of a highly polished and professional advocate.

Newsroom

News

•Catherine Deter Wins CLM Professional of the Year Award for Outside Defense Counsel - Young Professional
Firm News, 4.10.25
•Catherine Deter Recognized as Finalist for CLM Professional of the Year Award- Outside Counsel Young Professional
Firm News, 2.25.25
•Catherine Deter Honored with CLM's Phenoms Under 40 Award
Firm News, 11.19.24
•New Defined Equity Partners Celebrated at WSHB as 2023 Begins
Firm News, 1.9.23

Events, Seminars & Speaking Engagements

•Why Can't We Be Friends: Turning Tension into Teamwork Among Claims Representatives, Insureds, Attorneys, and Advocates, CLM Annual Conference, March 27, 2026
•Pointing Fingers: Navigating the Interface Between Design Professionals, General Contractors, and Developers, CLM Construction Conference, September 19, 2025
•Get it Off My Desk! Effective Risk Transfer Strategies from Pre-Claim to Trial, CLM Annual Conference, April 10, 2025

•Let’s Get Out of Here! Strategies for Early Resolution of Challenging Claims and the Pitfalls and Best Practices for a Piecemeal Settlement, CLM Construction Conference, September 19, 2024

•New Frontiers: Emerging Issues in Defending Design Professionals, CLM Annual Conference, April 4, 2024

•A Roadmap for Design Professionals: Navigating Liability and Damages in a Changing Economic Landscape, CLM Construction Conference, September 28, 2023

•Poking the Bear: Championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Construction, CLM Construction Conference, September 23, 2021

Publications

•Co-Author, ' Nuisance and Negligence Claims Against Geotechnical Firm Reinstated Despite Lack of Privity, WSHB Article, August 27, 2025

•Co-Author, Design Immunity May Not Shield a Public Entity From Liability Where it Failed to Warn of a Known Danger, WSHB Case Update, May 5, 2023

•Author, Connecting the Lines Between Interest Rates and Professional Liability Claims, WSHB Article, March 8, 2023

•Co-Author, 'Emerging Trends in Litigation: Connecting the Lines Between Interest Rates and Professional Liability Claims,' Professional Liability Defense Quarterly, Vol 15, No 1 (First Quarter 2023)

In the News

•Catherine Deter Wins CLM Professional of the Year Award for Outside Defense Counsel - Young Professional
•Catherine Deter Recognized as Finalist for CLM Professional of the Year Award- Outside Counsel Young Professional
•Catherine Deter Honored with CLM's Phenoms Under 40 Award
•New Defined Equity Partners Celebrated at WSHB as 2023 Begins

Honors & Recognitions

•CLM Professional of the Year Award- Outside Defense Counsel Young Professional (2025)
•CLM Magazine Phenom Under 40 (2025)
•Named a Super Lawyers 'Rising Star' for Construction Litigation in Aliso Viejo, CA (2023 - 2024, 2026)
•Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch recognition for Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, and Insurance Law in Aliso Viejo, CA (2022 - 2025)