Caty currently serves as the Vice President and Counselor of the Herbert B. Cohen Inns of Court and previously served as Board President for the Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center.

MORE ABOUT CATY:

Why did you decide to become an attorney? I have known I wanted to be an attorney since 10th grade when I received a “career choices” booklet in high school and read about what attorneys do. I was the first person in my family to go to college. I have always wanted to be the voice for those who are the underdog in the system, who need someone to stand up and advocate for them. I see my job as an essential role to ensure that the system works (somewhat) fairly by ensuring my clients’ rights and constitutional protections are protected.

Why do you feel civility in law is so important? I feel that civility in the law is very important because every case in the judicial system involves some sort of conflict between two parties, whether in criminal, civil, or family law. There must be a certain level of professionalism and civility in order to resolve those conflicts. Only if all parties treat each other civilly, including clients, bar and bench, will the decisions and results of the conflict resolution be accepted and respected. It is crucial to a civil conflict resolution process. I strongly believe it is possible to be zealous advocates for clients while still remaining civil.

What is your favorite place to vacation? I now have two favorite places to vacation: Aruba, for its beautiful beaches and turquoise waters and the Netherlands, where my family and many good friends are, and even more importantly, the Dutch food.

What would someone be surprised to know about you? I think most people who know me know that I am from the Netherlands. But they might be surprised to know that I also have a law degree from there, and that I go back almost every year for vacation to get together with a group of 3 close friends whom I have known for 40 years (since 7th grade).  

What achievements are you most proud of professionally? I am most proud of having been able to transition from my training in a civil code-based legal system to the American common law system and that I have been able to make a real difference in the lives of many clients.