DENISE CHEN (SHE/HER/HERS), Attorney
Ruiz & Smart is proud to welcome Denise to the firm.
Denise initially joined the team as a legal intern during law school and decided to return as an attorney because the firm’s expertise and dedication to fighting zealously for clients were unmatched. Denise’s approach to her work is straightforward: treat clients with respect and make the frustrating process of litigation a little less painful.
Denise is the daughter of hardworking immigrants, who instilled in her the values of grit, diligence, and resilience. She knew early on she wanted to be an attorney, and so she joined Franklin High School Mock Trial, and spent her days after-school crafting legal arguments and fiercely cross-examining fictitious clients. In college, she juggled several internships where she advocated for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Denise graduated magna cum laude from Seattle University Law School where she served as the Senior Online Editor for the Seattle University Law Review and a research assistant for Professor Brooke Coleman. She earned CALI awards for the highest grade in her Civil Procedure, Employment Discrimination, and the Civil Rights Clinic classes.
Denise was also awarded the prestigious Faculty Scholar Award and the Scholars for Justice Award for her scholastic achievements and social justice leadership in the legal community.
Before joining Ruiz & Smart, Denise externed for Justice Raquel Montoya-Lewis at the Washington Supreme Court.
Outside of the office, Denise is likely watching the latest house-flipping show or cooking competition show. She enjoys cooking and baking, and, like any true foodie, looking for the best sushi spot in Seattle. Her favorite pastime is channeling her creative energy into helping friends design their spaces with houseplants.
Education
University of Washington, B.A., magna cum laude, Law, Societies, and Justice (LSJ) and Philosophy, 2019
Seattle University School of Law, J.D., magna cum laude, 2022, Senior Online Editor, Seattle University Law Review
Bar / Court Admissions
State Bar of Washington
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington
Presentations
Speaker, How to Review a Claim File and Other Things I’ve Learned in My First Year of Practice, Insurance Law Seminar, Washington State Association for Justice, Seattle, WA (May 2023)
Recognitions
Faculty Scholar Award – Seattle University School of Law 2022
Washington State Association for Justice Fellow 2021
Scholars for Justice Award – Seattle University School of Law 2019
Karin Stromberg Award – University of Washington 2019
Professional & Civic Involvement
Washington State Association for Justice, Member
Washington State Supreme Court, Judicial Extern for Justice Montoya-Lewis
Fred T. Korematsu Center for Law and Equality, Clinic Student