Catherine A. Dickinson - Partner

Bar Admissions

  • Maryland, 2012
  • U.S. District Court District of Maryland, 2014

Education

  • University of Baltimore School of Law, Baltimore, Maryland
    • J.D. – 2012
    • Law Review: University of Baltimore Law Forum, Staff Editor, 2010 – 2011
    • Law Review: University of Baltimore Law Forum, Articles Editor, 2011 – 2012
  • Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania
    • B.A. – 2008
    • Major: Political Science
    • Minor: Business Law and Corporate Governance

Catherine A. Dickinson – Partner

MEMBER

Location:  Baltimore, Maryland
Phone:  410-685-2022 (Local)
Phone:  855-865-6185 (Toll free)
Phone:  410-543-5398 (Local)
Fax:       410-783-4771
Fax:       301-627-5911
Email:   E-mail Me

“There are not a lot of promises that anyone can make in litigation, but with every client I promise them three things: (1) I am not afraid of a challenge; (2) I will always be honest, if not brutally honest about your case; and (3) I approach every case differently and I am not afraid to think outside of the box.” 

Catherine A. Dickinson, a partner at SBWD Law, utilizes her diverse legal background to handle complex cases throughout the State of Maryland in both State and Federal Courts. Catherine combines her extensive and unique experience with the resources at SBWD Law to take on difficult, challenging cases, and is not afraid of unconventional thinking. In addition to working on medical malpractice and other significant personal injury matters, Catherine has litigated a wide range of cases arising out of sexual assault and abuse, and successfully handled the first case in Maryland against a national hotel franchise for human trafficking committed at a hotel. Catherine exercises a tireless work ethic for her clients, and is recognized for her tenacity, writing, creativity, and preparedness, both in the courtroom and throughout all phases of her cases. 

After graduating from Villanova University, Catherine began her legal career as a paralegal at a litigation firm, and subsequently attended the University of Baltimore School of Law. As a student, Catherine spent substantial time outside of the classroom, gaining valuable experience working for judges at all levels of the Maryland Court System, including the Honorable Lynne A. Battaglia in Maryland’s highest court. Catherine further served as an intern for the Judicial Institute of Maryland, assisting in the development of continuing judicial education programs for judges, which provided her with a distinct perspective on how judges analyze cases. In school, Catherine also served on the University of Baltimore Law Forum journal, ultimately holding a position on the Executive Board in addition to roles as a Teaching Scholar and Research Assistant. Finally, Catherine worked as a law clerk in the litigation department with SBWD Law. The time that Catherine spent outside of the classroom and the activities she engaged in while obtaining her law degree helped her hone her writing, analytical and communication skills, all fundamental tools that she continues to use in her practice today. 

Following law school, Catherine served as a Judicial Law Clerk for the Honorable Robert E. Cahill, Jr. in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County, during which she had the opportunity to participate in and observe a wide scope of cases as a member of the Judge’s staff. Following her clerkship, Catherine practiced for several years as an associate at a prominent defense litigation firm, representing companies and individuals sued in personal injury cases. Catherine’s experience as a defense attorney endows her with the perspective to anticipate potential hurdles and the ability to approach her client’s cases objectively and with a critical eye. 

Catherine has been recognized for her achievements in the legal community. She has been named a Super Lawyer, a rating achieved through peer recognition and professional achievement. She also was selected as a Leading Woman Under 40 in 2023 by The Daily Record. Additionally, Catherine was named by the editorial board of The Daily Record to the “Daily Record Power List” for Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury Law in 2023.  

Catherine is an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Baltimore School of Law and has taught the Trial Advocacy course. In 2023, Catherine and her partner, Michael Belsky, created the curriculum for the seminar “Special Issues in Sexual Abuse Litigation” for the University of Baltimore School of Law, an entirely new course focused on the criminal, civil, legislative, and victims’ rights issues in the area of sexual abuse litigation.  

Outside of her responsibilities to the firm, Catherine is an active member of the community, participating in numerous educational and professional seminars. She served as a panelist on the 2017 University of Baltimore Law Forum Symposium on “Victims of Child Sex Abuse and the Maryland Courts” alongside esteemed panelists, including Maryland State Delegate C.T. Wilson and Teresa Lancaster from the Netflix Documentary “The Keepers.” Moreover, in an effort to help educate future lawyers, she volunteers as a judge and coach for high school, college, and law school mock trial teams. Outside of the legal community, Catherine is also a supporter of the Walters Art Museum, serving as a member of the Walters Enthusiasts, on the Gala Planning Committee for the Museum, and as a co-chair of the 2023 Walters Art Museum Annual Gala and Party – An Evening at the Walters.  

Litigation Percentage

  • 100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation

Certified Legal Specialties

  • Certified Mediator Maryland Rule 17-106

Published Works

  • “In Seaborne-Worsley v. Mintiens, 2018 Md. LEXIS 188 (2018) the doctrine of imputed negligence suffers yet another blow.” SBWD Law Blog, 2018
  • Hashmi v. Bennett, 41 U. Balt. L.F. 175 (2011), University of Baltimore Law Forum

Classes/Seminars

  • University of Baltimore School of Law Judicial Clerkship Institute, 2013
  • “Medicare Appeals,” Baltimore County Bar Association, 2016
  • “Memory and Proof: Victims of Child Sex Abuse and the Maryland Courts,” University of Baltimore Law Forum Symposium, 2017
  • University of Baltimore School of Law Judicial Clerkship Panel, 2018
  • University of Baltimore School of Law Plaintiff Practice Panel, 2022-2023
  • Maryvale Preparatory School Leadership Institute, 2022 
  • University of Baltimore School of Law Adjunct Professor, Trial Advocacy and Special Issues in Sexual Abuse Litigation – 2022-Present 

Professional Associations and Memberships

  • Maryland State Bar Association, 2012 – Present
  • Bar Association of Baltimore City (Personal Injury Committee, 2016-Present; Bench Bar Committee, 2016-Present), 2012 – Present
  • Baltimore County Bar Association (Young Lawyers Chair, 2014-2015), 2012 – Present
  • Walters Art Gallery Enthusiasts (Walters Enthusiasts Co-Chair, 2019-2020), 2017 – Present
  • Maryland Association for Justice – 2018-Present 
  • Walters Art Museum – Co-Chair Annual Gala & Party, 2023

Past Employment Positions

  • Rollins, Smalkin, Richards and Mackie, LLC, 2013 – 2016
  • Circuit Court for Baltimore County, Judicial Law Clerk, 2012 – 2013

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