Catherine L. Chapman

A born problem-solver who brings efficiency to her litigation practice

A Civil Litigation practice allows Catherine to pursue her interests in writing while her work in the Energy and Telecommunications practice ensures she is constantly learning, as regulations are ever-evolving. 

As a civil litigation associate, Catherine handles easement and contract breaches, partition by allotment suits, and product liability cases, drafting documents, motions to dismiss, and memoranda. With her energy practice, she handles rule-making, rate-making, and adjudicatory proceedings at the State Corporation Commission (SCC), reports to clients on SCC stakeholder meetings, tracks energy legislation at the General Assembly, and reports on legislative committee action. Catherine also advises clients on applications for public utility certificates, local electric franchise agreements, and Competitive Service Provider annual reports. 

Prior to joining ThompsonMcMullan, Catherine held internships at both the Supreme Court, under the Honorable Justice Cleo E. Powell, and the Federal Court, under the Honorable Judge Arenda W. Allen, where she gained both civil and criminal experience drafting memos, orders, and bench briefs.  

Having attended college abroad, she obtained both a B.A. and an M.A. in Sociology, with a law minor, where she honed her interest in research and writing, and her passion for problem-solving. Catherine then attended William and Mary Law School, where she served as Articles Editor for the William and Mary Journal of Race and Social Justice and spoke at the Local Government Attorneys of Virginia Spring Conference, presenting on the relevance of statutory construction in a local government practice. 

Outside the office, Catherine enjoys gardening, decorating, and exploring Richmond with her husband, daughter, and dog.