Caitlyn Brotherton

Caitlyn Brotherton is an attorney committed to protecting the rights, dignity, and future of individuals across Hampton Roads. She brings a rare blend of legal experience, mental‑health advocacy, and communication expertise to every case, ensuring clients feel heard, respected, and supported throughout the legal process.

Born and raised in Hampton Roads, Caitlyn graduated from Ocean Lakes High School in Virginia Beach before earning her Bachelor’s Degree in American Sign Language from Gardner‑Webb University. Fluent in ASL and trained in tactile signing for Deaf Blind individuals, she has long been dedicated to expanding access and understanding for underserved communities. During college, she worked as a Sign Language Interpreter and Peer Tutor for Deaf faculty and students, strengthening her commitment to advocacy and equitable communication.

After returning home, Caitlyn felt called to pursue a career in law after hearing attorney and author Bryan Stevenson speak and reading Just Mercy. She began her legal career at the Portsmouth Public Defender’s Office, where she represented hundreds of clients in traffic, juvenile, misdemeanor, and felony matters. Her most meaningful work came on the Mental Health Docket, where she supported clients navigating both legal challenges and complex mental‑health needs with patience, empathy, and determination.

Caitlyn is Crisis Intervention Certified and serves as the Vice President and Criminal Justice Committee Chair for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Coastal Virginia Chapter, representing Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and the Eastern Shore. Through this role, she advocates for stronger laws, better resources, and a justice system that protects individuals experiencing mental illness regardless of income or background.

Outside the office, Caitlyn enjoys visiting local farmers markets and spending time with her family, friends, and her cat.