Biography
Cathy A. Hongola is an associate in the firm's Litigation and Environmental departments in the San Francisco office. Her practice focuses on complex commercial litigation and environmental litigation. She has handled all phases of litigation from discovery through trial.
Cathy's commercial litigation practice includes representation of clients in a wide range of state and federal litigation matters, including disputes related to real property, intellectual property, landlord-tenant issues, and contract claims. Cathy's practice also includes representation of a national savings bank in the litigation and resolution of mortgage lending disputes.
Cathy's environmental practice includes federal and state court litigation of environmental claims related to water quality, air quality and hazardous materials. She has a particular focus on contaminated soil and ground water disputes and has successfully represented a privately-owned water company in a Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) action against the United States Air Force for contamination of groundwater supplies in the Sacramento area.
Memberships
- Bar Association of San Francisco, member
- California Bar, Environmental Law Section, member
- The Association of Women in Water, Energy and Environment, member
Accolades
- Wiley W. Manual Award, California State Bar, significant contributions in the pro bono arena (2006, 2007)
- Outstanding Service Award, Legal Aid Society of San Diego, Inc. (2006)
- Named a Rising Star by Northern California Super Lawyers (2010 and 2011)
Education
Cathy received her B.A. in history from the University of California, San Diego in 1999. She graduated magna cum laude and with honors with highest distinction from the History Department. In 2004, she received her J.D. from the University of California, Davis School of Law, where she graduated Order of the Coif, earning Witkin Awards in Environmental Enforcement, Water Law, and Torts. Cathy was a member of the Moot Court Board and a participant on the State Moot Court Team. Prior to graduation, Cathy was selected as a member of the Order of the Barristers for excellence in oral advocacy and brief writing.
Bar Admissions