Catherine Deist serves as an Outside General Counsel to senior living community operators across twelve states.  She advises on litigation matters, third party contracts, licensing, corporate legal matters, acquisitions, employment, risk management, etc.

Before joining Ernest Law Group, Catherine spent twelve years as a litigator in various state and federal courts.  Her diverse practice has included: white collar criminal defense; SEC investigations; military criminal prosecution & defense; government contracts; commercial and contract disputes; family law; elder law; and complex estate planning.

Catherine also practices Family Formation via Assisted Reproductive Technology.  Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) is a method used by so many who are unable to conceive on their own, which may require an egg donor, sperm donor, and/or gestational carrier.  A fast-changing area of law, Catherine counsels couples and individuals on the legal issues involved in utilizing ART before drafting a contract that meets their specific and unique needs.                       

Practice Areas

• Assisted Reproductive Technology
• Business Law

Experience

• Ernest Law Group, PLC, Virginia Beach, VA, Attorney (2023 - Present)
• Mukasey Frenchman LLP, New York, NY, Senior Associate (2021 - 2023)
• Parlatore Law Group, Multiple Locations, Partner (2019 - 2021)
• Ernest Law Group, PLC, Virginia Beach, VA, Attorney (2016 - 2019)
• U.S. AIR FORCE, Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps, Captain (2010 - 2015)

Education

• St. Mary's University School of Law, J.D., Cum Laude (2009)
• Texas A&M University, B.A., English Rhetoric (2006)

Membership & Training

• State Bar of Texas (2009) 
• State Bar of Virginia (2016)
• State Bar of New York (2022)
• Army Court of Criminal Appeals (2022)
• Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals (2010)
• Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (2010)
• Contract and Fiscal Law Course, The Judge Advocate General’s School (2011)