Catherine Carroll, WilmerHale’s partner-in-charge for the Washington, DC office, plays a significant role in appellate litigation in the U.S. Supreme Court and federal courts of appeals, as well as district court litigation and client counseling in matters raising complex legal questions. Carroll’s practice spans a wide range of issues of federal law. Her recent litigation matters have involved such diverse areas as ERISA, insurance and reinsurance, tax law, antitrust law, foreign sovereign immunity, copyright, and criminal law and procedure.
She frequently represents clients’ pro bono cases raising issues of constitutional law and capital habeas procedure. “I’m lucky to work in a firm that values pro bono legal service. Many of the legal matters I’m most proud to have handled are ones where we’ve been able to give an effective voice to clients who might not otherwise have had one.”
Prior to joining WilmerHale, Carroll served as a law clerk to Associate Justice David H. Souter of the U.S. Supreme Court, and clerked for The Honorable Harry T. Edwards of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
In 2016 and 2014, Carroll was named a “Rising Star” by Law360 as one of the top appellate attorneys under 40 years of age.
For Carroll, diversity means “valuing all voices, making sure that opportunities and support are accessible to all, and striving to recruit, train and promote women and diverse lawyers.” Although there are business considerations – clients increasingly value and expect diverse teams – she says that making diversity and inclusion a priority is important because it’s the right thing to do. “When your teammates have diverse experiences, voices and backgrounds, we all grow as people and professionals. It’s an expression of our culture and the values we aspire to.”
Carroll advises women to “Speak up. Raise your hand for opportunities, and ask for help and advice when you need it. Be prepared, and then let your voice be heard to show the value you add. Also, keep your office door open and stroll down the hall whenever you can; it creates opportunities to build connections and relationships that will help you succeed, and that make the workplace fun and fulfilling.”