
Denise is a San Antonio native and attended Incarnate Word High School. In 1989, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Mary’s University. In 1992, Denise was graduated from St. Mary’s University School of Law with her Juris Doctorate degree.
Denise began her career in the legal profession in private practice representing clients in family law, probate and estates and juvenile and criminal law matters. During this time, Denise also provided pro bono services to retired veterans and their spouses through the San Antonio American GI Forum.
In 1996, Denise joined Lone Star Legal Aid in Belton, Texas as a staff attorney. A year and a half later, she was promoted to Managing Attorney of the office’s Family Protection Unit. During her time at legal aid, Denise represented many victims of domestic violence in family law and immigration cases. She also provided services to clients in landlord/tenant law, wills and estates, bankruptcy and public benefits. Denise also served as a Juvenile Court Magistrate for Bell County for five years.
In 2007, Denise returned to San Antonio and continued practicing family law for a nonprofit family law firm and then returned to private practice. Today, Denise is a strong and skilled advocate for clients dealing with the many complex and difficult issues involved with family law.