Biography - Denise L. Stern
Denise was born on Long Island, New York and grew up in Carmel, New York.
In 1978, she graduated from the State University of New York at Albany. Following graduation, she moved to Boulder, Colorado where for several years worked in an organic bakery and hiked the foothills of Boulder. In 1982, she enrolled at Gonzaga University School of Law in Spokane, Washington where she graduated with honors in 1985.
In January, 1986 she was admitted to the Washington State Bar and in April, 1988 to the Oregon State Bar. Denise is a licensed attorney in all state and federal courts in both Washington and Oregon.
Denise’s law practice has evolved over the years to provide her with a unique skill set. Early in her career she worked as an Intern/Clerk at the Washington State Court of Appeals. It was there where she fine-tuned her writing and analytical skills by drafting case summaries and opinions. Later, Denise worked as an attorney in a firm which contracted with the county to represent indigent criminal defendants. It was here that she learned how to try a case to a judge and jury. In 1988, Denise moved to Portland to join a large law firm where she became well-practiced in business and real estate litigation including providing legal advice in how to draft legal documentation for clients to avoid litigation.
In 1995, Denise established her current law practice. Today her practice focus is in business, estate planning and real estate including:
- Establishing corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies
- Providing legal advice to clients on business issues
- Helping clients avoid litigation
- Developing estate plans including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and probates
Although Denise’s primary goal is to help clients avoid litigation, she also knows when litigation is the best course of action. As a trial attorney, she is experienced in litigating a case to her client’s best advantage.
Denise is a member of the Oregon State Bar, Multnomah County Bar, Washington State Bar, Clark County Bar, American Bar Association, Oregon Women Lawyers, Sellwood Moreland Business Association and Families with Children from China. She is a past chair of the Litigation Section of the Oregon State Bar and has served on the Procedures and Practices Committee of the Oregon State Bar.
On a personal note, Denise has been practicing in her own firm since 1995 while raising her two daughters. One daughter graduated from the University of Oregon and one daughter recently graduated from the Evergreen State College. During her spare time, she enjoys travel, reading, showshoeing and hiking.