
Catherine Laney joined the Education Law Section at Tharrington Smith in 2018. Catherine is a graduate of Pace University School of Law in White Plains, New York, where she graduated cum laude and was active in the Women’s Association of Law Students. She holds a Bachelor of Science from East Carolina University in Child Development and Family Relations with minors in Sociology and Women’s Studies.
During her private practice in New York, Catherine focused her practice on advocacy for children with disabilities and represented students in due process hearings. Catherine brings a complimentary and across-the-aisle perspective to our team of lawyers, who largely have backgrounds as educators.
Catherine is a member of the New York State Bar, the North Carolina State Bar, the North Carolina Bar Association Education Law Section, the Wake County Bar Association and the 10th Judicial District. She is the winner of the 2012 Pace Women’s Justice Center’s “Making a Difference” Award.
Education
- Juris Doctor, cum laude, May 2011
- Honors: Deans List, 2008-2011
East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
- Bachelor of Science, summa cum laude, 2007
- Major: Child Development and Family Relations
- Minor: Sociology and Women’s Studies
Memberships
- North Carolina State Bar, Member
- New York State Bar, Member
- 10th Judicial District Bar, Member
- Wake County Bar Association, Member
- North Carolina Bar Association, Education Law Section, Member
Admissions
- North Carolina State Bar, 2015
- United States District Court, Southern District of New York, 2012
- New York State Bar, 2012
Professional Dedication
- Wake County Guardian Ad Litem Program, Volunteer, 2015-Present
Experience:
- North Carolina Department of Justice, 2016-2018
- Law Office of Peter D. Hoffman, Katonah, NY, 2012-2015
- Family Court Legal Program, Pace Women’s Justice Center, 2009-2012 (Intern, Volunteer & Staff Attorney)