Catherine Dowie

Catherine thrives in complexity. A sharp legal mind with an appetite for high-stakes litigation, she tackles everything from ERISA and health insurance disputes to appellate challenges and multi-layered product liability cases. Whether she’s advocating in federal court or navigating the nuances of class actions and preemption law, Catherine brings precision, persistence, and a clear sense of purpose. Her practice is expanding—intentionally and impactfully—into appellate work, where her voice continues to shape precedent and policy.

Catherine doesn’t do anything halfway. She’s bold, exacting, and unflinching—bringing a rare combination of intellect, grit, and gut instinct to the courtroom. She litigates like she lives: precise, purposeful, and unapologetically sharp. Whether cross-examining witnesses or crafting an airtight brief, she’s all in. No fluff, no ego, no wasted words. Just focused firepower, fueled by a fierce commitment to getting it right for her clients, her team, and the legacy of the law.

Catherine was born and raised in New Jersey, where sharp wit and strong opinions shaped her early years. She met her husband, EJ, through the debate society—a fitting start for someone who thrives on logic, language, and lively discourse. At home, she’s surrounded by two spirited Siberian cats, Bran and Arya, and a steadily multiplying collection of succulents. She unwinds with knitting needles, baking experiments, comic books, and the occasional axe-throwing session. Catherine lives with purpose and intensity, blending curiosity, creativity, and conviction in everything she does—inside and outside the courtroom.

 

Catherine's Philosophy

Live with precision, lead with purpose, and never underestimate the power of a sharp mind and a sharper word.

Catherine's Background

Education

  • J.D., Suffolk University Law School
  • B.A., American Government and Computer Science, Smith College

Bar Admissions

  • Massachusetts, 2018
  • Vermont, 2018
  • New York, 2021
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court Southern District of Indiana
  • U.S. District Court of Massachusetts
  • U.S. District Court Southern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court Western District of New York
  • U.S. District Court Northern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of Wisconsin

Memberships

  • Claims Litigation Management (CLM)
  • National Association of Subrogation Professionals (NASP)
  • Self-Insurance Institute of America (SIIA)

Honors & Awards

  • Alexander Cella Book Award (Administrative Law)
  • Jurisprudence Award (top grade)
  • Best Oral Advocate; Law Achievement and Sorgi Scholarships

Published Works

  • Massachusetts’ High Court Declares Third-Party Inherent Diminution In Value Auto Damages Are Now Recoverable, published by Claims Pages, January 31, 2022.

Speaking Engagements

  • Your Case, the Appellate Record, and Beyond: Amicus Briefs, When to Involve Appellate Counsel, and Other Strategic Considerations for Litigation with Industry-Wide Implications – October 28, 2024 – Seminar presented at 2024 Annual NASP Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. Co-presented with Attorney Ryan L. Woody.
  • 2023 ERISA Litigation Compilation – May 2, 2024 – A webinar presented to the public. Co-presented with Attorney Ryan L. Woody and Attorney Nancy A. Case.
  • Get In Line or Jump The Line: Bankruptcy and Health Subrogation – February 29, 2024 – A webinar presented to the public. Co-presented with Attorney Ryan L. Woody and Attorney Nancy A. Case.
  • Workers’ Compensation Subrogation in Focus: From California Credit Rights to Oklahoma Death Claims – February 22, 2024 – A webinar presented to the public. Co-presented with Attorney Ryan L. Woody and Attorney Stephen A. Smith.
  • Common Mistakes in Handling Personal Injury Subrogation: Identifying and Resolving Errors Prior to Settlement – August 16, 2023 – Webinar for Strafford Publishing.
  • Health Subrogation Roundtable (Health Subrogation Series Part 9) – October 25, 2022 – A webinar presented to the public. Co-presented with Attorney Ryan L. Woody and Attorney Nancy A. Case.
  • Navigating No-Fault Benefits (Health Subrogation Series Part 7) – August 23, 2022 – A webinar presented to the public. Co-presented with Attorney Nancy A. Case and Attorney Stephen A. Smith.
  • Fully-Insured and Non-ERISA Plans: Advanced Topics in Preemption and Anti-Subrogation Exceptions (Health Subrogation Series Part 6) – July 26, 2022 – A webinar presented to the public. Co-presented with Attorney Ryan L. Woody.
  • ERISA Subrogation 101: Back to Basics (Health Subrogation Series Part 5) – June 21, 2022 – A webinar presented to the public. Co-presented with Attorney Ryan L. Woody and Attorney Nancy A. Case.
  • Post-Montanile Tracing and Stop Loss 101 (Health Subrogation Series Part 4) – May 24, 2022 – A webinar presented to the public. Co-presented with Attorney Ryan L. Woody and Attorney Nancy A. Case.
  • Understanding Form 5500s, Responding to 1024 Document Requests, and Addressing Arguments on Plan Delivery (Health Subrogation Series Part 3) – April 26, 2022 – A webinar presented to the public. Co-presented with Attorney Ryan L. Woody and Attorney Nancy A. Case.
  • Whose Claim Is It Anyway (Health Subrogation Series Part 2) – March 22, 2022 – A webinar presented to the public. Co-presented with Attorney Ryan L. Woody and Attorney Nancy A. Case.
  • From First Notice Letter to Courthouse Steps: How To Avoid, But Be Ready For, Litigation (Health Subrogation Series Part 1) – February 22, 2022 – A webinar presented to the public. Co-presented with Attorney Ryan L. Woody and Attorney Nancy A. Case.

GET IN TOUCH WITH CATHERINE DOWIE