Catherine Turner, A Bold and Bright Defender

By Susan Cushing

The criminal justice system in the United States has been a source of controversy and debate for many decades. Others see flaws, while some consider it to be a paragon of justice. While the debate continues, members of the defense bar work tirelessly for their clients.

Catherine Turner is one such lawyer who uses her legal expertise, tenacity and compassion, as well as a dash of charm, to champion those in most need.

She is a welcoming figure for her clients and tries to put them at ease while she guides them through what can be one of the most difficult experiences in their lives. But her adversaries have discovered that, behind the warm smile, lies a legal mind that is sharp and a commitment to protecting clients’ rights that will not waver. She has a reputation in the courtroom as a fierce defender, with a gift for cross-examination.

Turner says, “I was brought up with a healthy distrust of the government and a sense that it must be held in check.” Turner says, “I was taught to be compassionate and empathetic towards the less fortunate.”

This personal philosophy has guided her throughout her career.

Finding Her Passion

Turner is a passionate advocate for her clients, and she has devoted herself to the law. One might think that this was a dream of hers. This is surprising.

Turner had no idea what to do after earning her political sciences degree from the University of Massachusetts. Over dinner, a friend of many years joked that she should join him in New York to be his consigliere after graduating. She confesses, “Law School was probably the most impulsive choice I ever made.” I didn’t have any lawyer friends and I didn’t really understand what law meant.

She had never imagined herself in law school. The first semester of Lewis and Clark School of Law, Portland, was devoted to civil law and contracts. “It all seemed so abstract,” she says. I thought I had made the wrong choice until I took my criminal law course. “My interest changed 180 degrees.”

She found her passion, and started working harder than ever before.

Turner began applying to state and federal prosecutor and defense offices after her first year. It was clear that I had found the right people. I knew that I could not be in the prosecutor’s offices because they would put me in a cage. I could not live like that. I feel uncomfortable putting people behind bars. “Once I met with defense attorneys, we instantly clicked and I never looked back.”

She worked as a law assistant for the Federal Public Defender’s Office of Oregon, for two years. She assisted the attorneys who represented Brandon Mayfield following the Madrid bombing. After graduating, she moved from Oregon to Minnesota and worked as a Public Defender for 15 years.

Never Look Back

Turner’s 2008 was a milestone year. She was the youngest attorney at the time who became a Minnesota State Bar Certified Criminal Law Specialist and launched her private practice.

Turner doesn’t waste time with false modesty. Turner has worked hard to develop her skills and her confidence comes from a long history of success.

She says, “I don’t dwell on my past achievements; I always look forward.” “I’m proud of the lawyer I am now, but I always strive to improve. I spent the majority of my career trying to become a tough trial lawyer. The best part of my job is the trials! The stakes are high and the rush is intense. You have to be able think quickly and stay one step ahead of the opposing counsel.

She adds, “It is what I enjoy and it takes a lot to be good at this.”

She has specialized in higher-level felonies, mainly sex offenses that are tried. She has conducted over 100 hearings and 50 trials in federal and state courts. Turner’s experience as a former public defender and her countless hours in court have helped her to successfully litigate cases for her clients.

Turner, a superstar defense attorney who has won numerous awards, is also known for a skill that is invaluable to trial lawyers: the cross-examination.

She says, “My favorite part of the job is to cross-examine cops.” “I’ve spent a lot time working to become really good at the cross-examination.” I’ve been trained both in Minnesota and nationally.

Turner has taken advanced classes in cross-examination and attended seminars by the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. She is so well-known and proficient in this field that she teaches other lawyers at the Minnesota Public Defenders’ annual weeklong trial schools and to a national audience through the NACDL.

Turner has shared her expertise with her colleagues for over a decade. She discusses topics like the challenges of representing mental health clients, the Fourth Amendment at the age of Edward Snowden, the fight against eyewitness identification and cross-racial identity, and the challenge to geofence reverse data.

She says, “I am often asked how she can sleep when she defends people accused of crimes.” “Everyone has a right to a defence, so thank you for that.

She continues, “The cases that are the most difficult for me to handle are when I am convinced that my client is innocent.” It’s much easier when there is strong evidence from the government and the conviction is clear. Then, it’s all about making sure that the client’s right are respected and they receive a fair and proportionate outcome. “I lose sleep and get ulcers when I fight for someone who I know is innocent.”

I get ulcers, stress and insomnia when I fight for someone who I know is innocent.

The Armor Behind the Armor

Turner takes time to rest and recharge after a long day of representing accused people and fighting against the government. Turner is as dedicated to her career and clients as she also is. She has a tight-knit family and friends circle.

She says, “I am a badass Aunt too.” “I’m very proud of that.”

Turner can be found quilting, throwing dinner parties or attending live music concerts when she is not spoiling her niece, traveling abroad with her partner, who is a professor at the U of M in the Animal Sciences Department.

Turner cultivates calmness in her sewing room, garden and kitchen, in contrast to the dynamic persona she portrays on court. She says that she began sewing during the wet Portland winters of law school and has maintained the Zen she discovered through the hobby.

What do you get for spending five hours at the library or on a computer? Spend five hours on a sewing machine, or in the kitchen, and you will have tangible results to share and show for your efforts.”

Catherine Turner, looking back at her impressive career can be proud of thousands of lives that she has impacted as well as the distinguished role she played in our courtrooms. While Turner has achieved many things to date, we are excited to see what the future holds.