|
Attorneys | |
|
|
|
||||
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Denise Gorrell
It's not always easy to integrate past work experiences into a career as an attorney, but it's worked out well for Denise Gorrell. That's because she's built a growing practice in real property and commercial law that's influenced by her tenure in the restaurant and wine business. A seven-year veteran of the Seattle restaurant scene - including four years at the famed Wild Ginger Restaurant - and a one-time marketing supervisor for Seattle-based retail wine shop Esquin, Denise is well versed in the challenges that food and beverage businesses face on a daily basis.
"Just like all entrepreneurs, food and wine proprietors are focused on making their business a success, the big picture stuff," Denise explains. "But it's often the details that matter most, everything from trademark issues to land use to government regulations. A lot of that comes from knowing the terrain." Regulations - such as the various OLCC rules - can be particularly tricky, Denise says. "Not only do you need to get licensed, but you have to understand the various hoops that each step entails," she says. "If you're a winery, are you going to have a tasting room that's open to the public? Will you hold banquets and weddings? It's important to engage in proper planning from the start so that the business owner does not encounter problems down the road." Denise, who also maintains a successful business litigation practice and represents homeowner associations, says that relationships are the true currency of the hospitality industry. "The key is to always be a better listener than a speaker," she says. "You'll see more angles and issues if you listen, and you're less likely to put people and ideas into a box. If you can establish a strong and thoughtful rapport, you're more likely to understand your client's goals." In addition to her real property, commercial law, and litigation work, Denise is active in various civic endeavors including the Roseway Neighborhood Association Board, the Multnomah Bar Association Young Lawyer Section Pro Bono Committee, and the SMART reading program. She has ample experience working with diverse Portland communities, having volunteered with the Immigrant Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) the summer after her first year of law school, helping to resolves landlord/tenant disputes and domestic violence issues. She also received an Award of Merit in 2007 from the Multnomah Bar Association Young Lawyer Section for her efforts to inspire other attorneys to perform pro bono work. When she's not at the Kell, Alterman & Runstein offices, Denise spends her free time with her husband, who works in the wine business, and her two dogs, a German shorthaired pointer and a yellow labrador. She also enjoys hiking, beachcombing, and other Oregon outdoor activities. Professional and civic activities Oregon State Bar Multnomah Bar Association Young Lawyer Section Pro Bono Committee American Bar Association Oregon Trial Lawyers Association Roseway Neighborhood Association Board Washington State Bar Association Admitted to practice Oregon Washington Education B.A., University of Washington, 1996 J.D., Lewis & Clark, 2004 Back to top of page 
Back to our attorneys 
|
|||
|
|||
webmaster@kelrun.com | copyright© 2010 Kell Alterman & Runstein, LLP