Denise Gorrell draws upon her extensive knowledge of restaurants and the wine industry to inform her real property and commercial law practice. Having spent 11 years on the Seattle hospitality scene — including stints at the award-winning Wild Ginger restaurant and wine retailer Esquin — Denise understands the unique challenges that food and beverage entrepreneurs face when planning, launching and running their businesses. She helps hospitality industry clients navigate complex, important issues such as business formation, real estate agreements, trademarks, OLCC rules and other governmental regulations.
In addition to being Chair of the SYK Real Estate department, Denise also maintains a successful business practice. She frequently represents clients on real estate transactions and disputes.
A Seattle native, she received a B.A. from the University of Washington, and went on to earn her J.D. from Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College.
She currently serves as President on the Campaign for Equal Justice’s (CEJ) Executive Board, and believes that being actively involved in the community is important. Oregon lawyers established the CEJ in 1991, with the mission of making equal access to justice a reality for all Oregonians and is the support organization for Oregon’s statewide legal aid programs. Denise previously served on the Roseway Neighborhood Association Board, where she was the Land Use Chair and on the Oregon State Bar Real Estate Land Use CLE Committee. From the very beginning of her career, in the summer after completing her first year of law school, she volunteered with the Immigrant Refugee Community Organization to help resolve landlord/tenant disputes and domestic violence issues. The Multnomah Bar Association Young Lawyer Section awarded her the Award of Merit for her efforts to inspire other attorneys to perform pro bono work.
Denise likes spending free time with her husband, who works in the specialty food industry, their two children, and their family dogs. Her favorite outdoor activities include hiking and exploring the natural wonders of Oregon and the surrounding states.
