CW

Catherine Wright Smith, Appellate Attorney in Seattle, Washington

Over 47 years of legal practice · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatSmith Goodfriend, P.S.

Seattle, WA

Practicing appellate in Seattle since 1979.

47+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
1
Bar admission

Practices in

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Quick answer

Catherine Wright Smith is a member based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Appellate. Catherine has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith Goodfriend, P.S.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Seattle, WA
Experience
over 47 years
Known for
Appellate
  • Handles Appellate matters from Seattle, WA.
  • Over 47 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Catherine Wright Smith: Catherine Wright Smith is a member based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Appellate. Catherine has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith Goodfriend, P.S.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Catherine Wright Smith

Catherine concentrates on appellate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Catherine handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Seattle, Washington

Catherine takes appellate matters in Seattle, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Catherine agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Catherine Wright Smith — Over 47 years of Washington appellate experience

Catherine Wright Smith is a member based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Appellate. Catherine has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith Goodfriend, P.S.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Catherine Wright Smith is a lawyer practicing appellate practice. Catherine received a B.S. degree from Oklahoma State University in 1974, and has been licensed for 47 years. Catherine practices at Smith Goodfriend, P.S. in Seattle, WA.

How Catherine handles appellate matters

Catherine Wright Smith is a lawyer practicing appellate practice. Catherine received a B.S. degree from Oklahoma State University in 1974, and has been licensed for 47 years. Catherine practices at Smith Goodfriend, P.S. in Seattle, WA.

Who Catherine represents

Catherine reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate matters in Seattle and the surrounding Washington area.

Credentials

Catherine Wright Smith's legal education and bar admissions

  • University of Washington

    J.D. · 1979

  • Oklahoma State University

    B.S. · 1974

Jurisdictions

Catherine's state bar admissions

  • Washington

    1979 · ACTIVE

Catherine studied at J.D. in University of Washington and B.S. in Oklahoma State University.

Law school and academic background

Catherine completed J.D. in University of Washington and B.S. in Oklahoma State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Catherine runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Catherine Wright Smith

Catherine has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Catherine's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Washington State Bar Association American Academy of Appellate Lawyers (Former President) Washington Appellate Lawyers Association (Founder, former President) American Law Institute

    membership

Locations

Catherine Wright Smith's office in Seattle

Catherine's primary office is at 1619 8th Ave. North, Seattle, WA, 98109-3007. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Smith Goodfriend, P.S.

1619 8th Ave. North

Seattle, WA 98109-3007

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Catherine Wright Smith — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Catherine. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in Seattle.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Catherine Wright Smith claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Catherine Wright Smith — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Catherine usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Catherine charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Catherine's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Catherine will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Seattle, Washington

A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Catherine

Catherine discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every appellate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Catherine confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Catherine's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Catherine Wright Smith

  • How much does it cost to hire Catherine for a appellate case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Catherine walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Catherine offer a free consultation?

    Catherine charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Catherine's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Catherine's current terms during booking.

  • How long do appellate cases in Washington typically take?

    Simple appellate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Catherine gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Catherine take my case if I'm outside Seattle?

    Catherine is licensed in Washington. Matters governed by Washington law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Catherine will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Catherine?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Catherine will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Catherine accepting new appellate clients right now?

    Catherine's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Appellate attorneys serving Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma in Washington

Catherine handles appellate matters throughout Washington. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Catherine's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Seattle handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.