• Thomas Jefferson School of Law
• Juris Doctor, May 1994 – Summa Cum Laude
• Judicial Externship - Hon. David Thompson, United States Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit
• Law Review, Dean’s Circle, National Dean’s List, Who’s Who in Colleges & Universities, American
• Jurisprudence Awards in 12 Subjects
• Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, Pepperdine University School of Law
• “Mediating the Litigated Case” - February 2008
• National Conflict Resolution Center Training Institute
• “Introductory Mediation Skills Training” - May 2008
• Mediator Credentialing Program – Completed June 2009

• Mediator, San Diego Superior Court ADR Panel - 2009 to present
• Judge Pro Tem – San Diego Superior Court – 2008 to present
• American Inns of Court, Welsh Inn – Master, 2007 to present
• San Diego Inn of Court – Board of Directors, 2010 to present
• San Diego County Bar Association – Member, 1994 to present
• Lawyer's Club of San Diego – Member, 1994 to present
• Consumer Attorneys of San Diego – Member, 1994 to present
• Thomas Jefferson School of Law – Alumni Association – Member, 1994 to present
• Officer, Board of Trustees - 1996 to 2005

Denise literally "grew up" in the legal field. She started as a legal secretary in the late 1970's, and later attended law school at night, graduating valedictorian of her class in May, 1994.

In 1995, Strauss & Asher was formed. Denise's trial practice focused on helping injured consumers in the areas of medical malpractice, products liability and personal injury. Her dedication to her clients, strong work ethic, and talents in the courtroom lead to numerous outstanding trial lawyer awards, including Consumer Attorney of the Year in 2007. Her most cherished accomplishment, however, is the reputation she earned for being an attorney of honesty, integrity, and professionalism.

Having seen the tremendous benefit of alternative dispute resolution in litigation, Denise changed the focus of her practice in 2008 towards serving the legal profession and its clients as a full-time mediator. Denise’s approach to mediation recognizes that every party and case are unique, and believes her role is to help fashion a process which works to the benefit of everyone involved.