Having practised in the area of public sector law for more than 25 years, Denise provides strategic legal advice to municipalities, regional districts, and other public sector organizations throughout British Columbia. She advises on a broad range of complex regulatory, operational, governance, and public accountability matters, helping clients navigate difficult legal, political, and public interest issues.
Denise’s practice encompasses all aspects of public sector law, including governance and council/board procedures, public sector investigations, election and elector approval matters, constitutional and jurisdictional issues, intergovernmental and Indigenous relations, conflicts of interest, freedom of information and privacy, regulatory authority, municipal liability and risk management, and complex commercial, infrastructure, and partnering projects. She regularly advises on governance reform, organizational restructuring, accountability frameworks, emergency management, strategic risk management, and other matters involving significant legal, operational, and political considerations.
Denise is frequently retained to advise on high-profile and politically sensitive matters involving public accountability, regulatory decision-making, elected officials, senior administration, and complex institutional issues. A significant aspect of her practice involves conducting and advising on investigations relating to council codes of conduct, complaints policies, disputes respecting governance and procedural fairness, and other matters requiring independent review and assessment.
Clients value her ability to distill complex issues, develop practical solutions, and provide advice that is both legally sound and responsive to the realities of public sector decision-making.
Outside the office, Denise enjoys travelling, cycling, hiking, paddling, skiing, cooking, and discovering great food and wine. Friends and colleagues know that she approaches vacation planning with the same level of commitment she brings to her legal practice.