Catherine North Hounfodji

Of Counsel

Houston Phone +1.713.890.5120 Fax +1.713.890.5001

1000 Louisiana St., Suite 4000//Houston, TX 77002-5006//United States

Catherine North Hounfodji regularly counsels and defends clients in matters relating to privacy, cybersecurity, class actions, state consumer privacy laws such as the California Consumer Privacy Act, consumer protection laws, retail operations, loyalty and gift card programs, unclaimed property, and commercial disputes.

Catherine led a multi-team, multi-year effort for a major retail client to track and analyze COVID-19 restrictions across the United States. Catherine has more than a decade of experience litigating commercial disputes and defending against wage and hour, healthcare, and tort claims.

Catherine also maintains an active pro bono practice, which includes assisting immigrant clients with Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and residency applications, election-related litigation, and expungements.

Before attending law school, Catherine spent 10 years working in the field of education, including five years working with the Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP) and three years teaching high school physics and chemistry as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Benin (in West Africa). Catherine is fluent in French and holds a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

Selected Representations

Defending multiple retailers against wiretapping claims and lawsuits
Assisted dozens of companies to prepare for the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)/California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) and other US state consumer privacy laws
Counseled national grocery and ecommerce retailer on COVID-19 compliance across the supply chain and throughout the pandemic
Counseled clients in unclaimed property/escheat audits and voluntary disclosure agreements
Advised retailers launching and operating ecommerce platforms and brick-and-mortar stores on applicable laws and regulations
Advised multiple national retail clients on laws and regulations relating to single-use bag bans, fees, and other restrictions
Prepared website privacy policies and terms and conditions for multiple regional, national, and international companies
Counseled clients regarding gift card programs with respect to escheatment, including the set up and maintenance of special purpose gift card issuers
Advised multiple retailers on loyalty programs

Awards and Affiliations

Recipient, Houston Bar Association, President’s Award for Outstanding Service (2021)

Member, Houston Bar Association

Member, Association of Women Attorneys

Member, Gender Fairness Committee, Houston Bar Association (Co-Chair, 2020–2021)

Pro Bono Counsel, Tahirih Justice Center

Arizona Law Review (2007–2009)

Admissions

Texas
Arizona
US District Court for the Southern District of Texas
US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
US District Court for the Northern District of Texas
US District Court for the Western District of Texas
US District Court for the District of Arizona

Clerkships

Clerkship to Judge Virginia C. Kelly of the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division 2 (2011 - 2012)
Clerkship to Chief Judge Joseph W. Howard of the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division 2 (2009 - 2011)

Education

University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law, 2009, J.D., summa cum laude, Order of the Coif
Duke University, 1996, B.S.E., Mechanical Engineering, cum laude

Sectors

Services

Regions

North America

Events

12/7/2022 - Update on State Privacy Laws & Federal Cyber Reporting Requirements for Energy Companies

10/6/2022 - Unclaimed Property for Lawyers: What Is It and Why Should You Care?

Publications

3/27/2023 - FTC Makes It Easier to Say No with Proposed Rule to Limit Negative Option Marketing

2/10/2023 - California Enforces Consumer Privacy Law With ‘Investigative Sweep’

11/22/2022 - US Supreme Court Will Not Weigh In on Class Certification, Representative Evidence Questions

9/8/2022 - California Privacy Protection Agency Kicks Off CPRA Rulemaking Process