Overview
Catherine Cockerham focuses her practice on insurance coverage disputes and other complex commercial litigation. She has litigated high-profile cases before a variety of federal and state appellate and trial courts, as well as arbitration panels. Clients appreciate that she is organized, creative, and a tireless advocate.
Catherine's work on behalf of insurers has involved a range of issues in the property, casualty, life, and health insurance sectors. A significant portion of her insurance practice involves counseling insurers and litigating coverage issues arising out of asbestos, environmental contamination, pharmaceutical products, and other toxic torts. She also represents insurance companies in bankruptcy proceedings as well as against allegations of bad faith. Recently, Catherine also has been involved on behalf of insurers in coverage disputes over sexual abuse claims and COVID-19-related business interruption claims. In the broader commercial realm, she has represented legal professionals in complex professional liability disputes and represented individuals in claims for money damages.
Catherine also participates in Steptoe's pro bono program, and has secured favorable results in constructive eviction matters. Catherine serves on Steptoe's Hiring Committee.
- District of Columbia
- Virginia
- Supreme Court of the United States
- US District Court, Eastern District of Virginia
- US District Court, Western District of Virginia
- US District Court, District of Columbia
- US Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
- US Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
- US Court of Appeals, District of Columbia
- Hon. Samuel G. Wilson, US District Court, Western District of Virginia, 2006-2007
- J.D., University of Virginia School of Law, 2006, Editorial Board, Virginia Law Review; Hardy Cross Dillard Fellow
- B.A., University of Virginia, 2003, with distinction; Phi Beta Kappa
Speaking Engagements
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"Emerging Issues in Bankruptcy Law and their Impact on Insurance Coverage," 2024 DRI Insurance Coverage and Claims Institute, Chicago, IL, March 14, 2024
- "The Top Ten Coverage Decisions of 2021: Their Impact for 2022 and Beyond," ABA Section of Litigation 2022 Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee CLE Seminar, Tucson, AZ, March 3, 2022
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"The Restatement of the Law of Liability Insurance in the Courts," ABA Section of Litigation 2020 Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee CLE Seminar, Tucson, AZ, March 7, 2020
- "Classification of Claims Within a Particular Hazard - Who Bears the Burden of Proof?," ABA Section of Litigation 2019 Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee CLE Seminar, Tucson, AZ, March 1, 2019
- "Grenfell Towers and Other Mass Disasters: Who is Liable, and are the Claims Covered?," ABA Section of Litigation 2018 Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee CLE Seminar, Tucson, AZ, March 2, 2018
News & Publications
Press Releases
Law360 Names Steptoe an 'Insurance Group of the Year' for Sixth Time
December 17, 2020
Press Releases
Steptoe Again Wins National Law Journal DC Litigation Department of the Year in Insurance
June 3, 2019
Press Releases
Steptoe Nabs Two National Law Journal DC Litigation Department of the Year Wins
June 6, 2018
Noteworthy
- Law360, "Rising Stars," Insurance (2020)
Professional Affiliations
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American Bar Association