Catalina is an experienced litigation attorney with substantial experience in transportation law and trial work, including nine years as in-house counsel for Union Pacific and over six years as an Assistant District Attorney in Harris County, Texas.
As a former prosecutor and in-house trial lawyer for a major railroad, Catalina has tried over 50 cases to jury in civil and criminal court. Catalina has experience managing complex litigation matters ranging from personal injuries to toxic torts and property damage cases. She also worked on large scale corporate compliance programs involving the Federal Corrupt Practices Act, electronic discovery and Medicare. As part of her compliance work, Catalina conducted corporate investigations. This experience in the corporate world enhances her ability to understand and address the competing demands corporate clients face.
In addition, she has experience serving as an Executive Director for a non-profit agency focusing on children’s behavioral health. In that capacity, she led efforts to train other agencies in Title VII compliance. Her work experience across various fields provides Catalina with the varied experience to serve a variety of different clients.
She currently focuses her practice on transportation law, specializing in commercial vehicle accidents and emergency response to catastrophic events. She has developed a robust forensic investigation program to assist her clients in managing risks. She enjoys supporting clients by conducting post-incident investigations and managing the collection and preservation of evidence. Catalina relishes using her organizational skills to manage client risk exposure through a careful documentation of their compliance efforts. She also loves the legal writing process and is highly skilled in drafting and editing legal documents.
Away from the Office
When she’s not working, Catalina enjoys running. She’s completed two marathons and over a dozen half marathons. Catalina is also an avid college football fan who was lucky enough to marry into the Alabama football tradition. When she’s not running or watching football with her husband, she stays busy being a dance mom for her two daughters. Occasionally, she and her husband find time to travel to their favorite vacation spots like San Francisco. Aspen and Santa Fe.
Practice Areas
- Emergency Response
- Litigation
- Railroad & Transportation
Credentials
Bar Admissions
- State Bar of Texas (1997)
- Federal Courts
Education
- Boston University School of Law, J.D., 1997
- Brown University, B.A., 1994
Houston Office