Catherine E. Goldhaber

Catherine Goldhaber is partner-in-charge of the Chicago office of Hawkins Parnell & Young and a member of HPY’s Executive Committee. She opened HPY Chicago in 2017, building on twenty years as a litigator both in private practice and as an Assistant State’s Attorney. Catherine defends claims related to product liability, exposure to toxic substances, and transportation-related injuries. She also litigates commercial issues such as contract disputes and as related to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.

Catherine's numerous trial successes include prevailing on behalf of an insulation supplier in a case in which plaintiff claimed his mesothelioma was caused by defendant’s insulation. Her most recent defense verdict involved a career drywall installer. In both cases the jury was out for less than four hours. Happiest when she is standing in the well of a courtroom, Catherine handles matters directly in Illinois, Michigan and Missouri, and manages multi-state litigation as national coordinating and trial counsel.

In addition to her litigation practice, Catherine counsels clients in Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) issues, particularly as they arise throughout discovery and in resolution. Catherine currently serves as Chair of DRI's MSP Task Force. The MSP Task Force provides DRI members with updates and resources to understand the laws that affect litigation involving Medicare beneficiaries. DRI MSP Task Force members also represent DRI in relation to DRI’s Medicare Advocacy Recovery Coalition (MARC) membership. Through DRI and MARC, Catherine has met directly with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on policy issues.

Clients retain Catherine for her extensive knowledge of methods and creative approaches to avoid and/or lessen the impact of litigation. In helping businesses resolve disputes, she provides clients with an objective "big picture" while keeping track of the minute details, resulting in cost-effective case management.

Prior to joining HPY, Catherine was a founding member of her firm’s Pro Bono and Public Service Committee and chaired the committee for many years. She served on the Chicago Bar Foundation’s Board and Young Professionals Board for over 10 years. Catherine currently serves on the board for Chicago Legal Clinic. Chicago Lawyer magazine honored Catherine in its 2013 Women in Law edition, which recognized 17 women attorneys in Chicago for achievements in their practice, dedication to the profession, and commitment to community.