Education

Seton Hall University Law School, J.D., cum laude
Douglass College of Rutgers University, B.A., cum Laude

Admitted

Licensed in the state of New Jersey and Federal Court-U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey
Court Appointed Arbitrator of Personal Injury, Auto, Commercial and Lemon Law Cases, Bergen County

Professional Memberships

New Jersey State Bar Association
New Jersey Association for Justice
Bergen County Bar Association

Career Profile

Law Clerk to Honorable Theodore W. Trautwein, Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division
Associate and thereafter first female partner, Vaccaro, Randazzo & Houghton

Biography

“I am dedicated and compelled to help victims of serious injuries, whose lives are changed forever due to the negligence of others.”

I am an attorney today because at an early age I realized both my ability and interest in tenaciously strategizing and succeeding for a cause. I decided to utilize this talent and devote myself to serve as an advocate and voice for people when they do not have the resources or ability to express their position.

When I became an attorney in 1983, I set my sights on managing a law firm dedicated to providing clients with unequaled personal access to their attorneys; and working with attorneys who share my same dedication to and compassion for victims.  To this end, I founded the Law Offices of Katherine G. Houghton in 1994.

Our practice areas include: Personal Injury; Brain Injury; Catastrophic Injury; Wrongful Death; Motor Vehicle Accidents and Injuries; Workers Compensation; Real Estate; Family Law; Divorce; Wills/Probate; Municipal Law; Auto Accidents, Slip and Fall, Dog Bites, Products Liability, Construction Accidents, Work Place Accidents

I am goal oriented for the benefit of my clients and pledge to:

  • Work one-on-one with you throughout your case.
  • Tenaciously advocate on your behalf.
  • Spend as much time as necessary listening to your situation.
  • Invite you to ask any questions, including those about the law, your options, and my experience.
  • Ask and listen to every detail of what you wish to accomplish.
  • Be straight forward in explaining your legal options and/or explain why there is no cause of action.
  • Make sure you understand the law as it applies to your interests.
  • Explain all legal procedures and what to expect during the course of action that you decide.
  • Ensure that you are fully informed and in a position to partner with me every step of the way.

Injuries can wreak havoc on intimate aspects of people’s lives; financially, physically and psychologically. I have deep compassion for people who are down and out and require compensation due to loss of work, pain and suffering, overwhelming costly medical bills, and permanent injury. I can’t turn back the hands of time and give them back their good health, but I can keenly navigate the system of justice for them to seek the compensation they deserve, helping them cope with the drastic, painful, permanent changes in their lives.

When accidents occur as a result of someone else’s negligence, or a life event necessitates legal counsel, my clients deserve representation that will allow them to be legally protected and/or fully compensated. The insurance companies have legal counsel, sometimes before you even have the need, shouldn’t you? Your opponents have legal counsel, shouldn’t you?

Feel free to call me directly at 201-587-1414 to schedule a consultation to discuss your situation, legal options and goals.

Additional Biographical Information

Publications
 'Summations,' Article in LexisNexis Practice Guide, 'New Jersey Trial, Post-Trial and Appellate Proceedings,' 2007 edition, and all subsequent publications.

Published Cases: Schwartz v. Leaseametrics; Schmidt v. Schmidt; Lehmann v. Red & Tan Lines; Taylor v. Cutler

Community Involvement

Several Sources Shelter (a mother's and children's shelter), Ramsey, New Jersey
Board Member, 2005 to present
Active volunteer, 2001 to present
Benefactor, 20 years