Biography - N. Denise Asher
Denise literally "grew up" in the legal field. She started as a legal secretary in the late 1970's, and later attended law school at night, graduating valedictorian of her class in May, 1994.
In 1995, Strauss & Asher was formed. Denise's trial practice focused on helping injured consumers in the areas of medical malpractice, products liability and personal injury. Her dedication to her clients, strong work ethic, and talents in the courtroom lead to numerous outstanding trial lawyer awards, including Consumer Attorney of the Year in 2007. Her most cherished accomplishment, however, is the reputation she earned for being an attorney of honesty, integrity, and professionalism.
Having seen the tremendous benefit of alternative dispute resolution in litigation, Denise changed the focus of her practice in 2008 towards serving the legal profession and its clients as a full-time mediator. Denise’s approach to mediation recognizes that every party and case are unique, and believes her role is to help fashion a process which works to the benefit of everyone involved.
Denise continues to devote a significant amount of volunteer time to programs designed to help attorneys hone their mediation and trial skills, as well as promote civility in the law. To that end, Denise is a frequent speaker, evaluator, and workshop leader for local bar associations, professional groups, and law schools.
As a mediator, Denise brings with her many years experience, dedication to the profession, and a passion for helping others. Denise is committed to earning your trust, and is there to help you and your clients find the solutions you seek.
Professional Awards and Honors
- Martindale-Hubbell – AV Rated by Peers – 2006 to Present
- Named to San Diego Super Lawyer® List - 2008 to 2011
- Presented by Super Lawyers, a division of Law & Politics magazine
- Named a San Diego County Top Attorney 2007, 2009
- Presented by San Diego Daily Transcript
- Trial Lawyer of the Year - February, 2008
- Finalist - California Consumer Attorney of the Year - November, 2007
- Thomas Goldin Award for Outstanding Alumnus of the Year - May, 2004
- Inaugural Recipient - Presented by Thomas Jefferson School of Law
- Consumer Attorneys of San Diego Outstanding Trial Lawyer Awards
- Reilly v. Powers (medical malpractice / misdiagnosis of terminal cancer) - October, 2007
- Singelyn v. Berger (medical malpractice / oral surgery) - September, 2003
- Martin v. Smith (medical malpractice / wrongful death) - September, 2000
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Professional Affiliations and Activities
- Court and Bar Affiliations
- Mediator, San Diego Superior Court ADR Panel - 2009 to present
- Judge Pro Tem – San Diego Superior Court – 2008 to present
- American Inns of Court, Welsh Inn – Master, 2007 to present
- San Diego Inn of Court – Board of Directors, 2010 to present
- San Diego County Bar Association – Member, 1994 to present
- Lawyer's Club of San Diego – Member, 1994 to present
- Consumer Attorneys of San Diego – Member, 1994 to present
- Thomas Jefferson School of Law – Alumni Association – Member, 1994 to present; Officer, Board of Trustees - 1996 to 2005
- Presentations, Seminars and Workshops
- Thomas Jefferson School of Law Alumni Association: Panelist - How to Settle Your Case at Mediation
- California Women Lawyers and JAMS: Panelist - Effective Negotiation Strategies for Women
- San Diego Inns of Court: Workshop Leader - Evidence and Trial Practice Workshops
- San Diego County Bar Association
- Presenter - Seminars on Electronic Trial Presentation, Deposition Skills, Trial Practice
- Judge/Scorer – High School Mock Trial Competitions
- Consumer Attorneys of San Diego: Presenter - Trial Practice and Evidence Seminars
- San Diego Defense Lawyers: Scorer - Mock Trial Competition
- Thomas Jefferson School of Law: Presenter - Medical Malpractice and Trial Practice Classes
- University of San Diego: Scorer, Mediator – Mock Trial Competitions and Civil Practice Courses
- University of California, San Diego
- Legal Nurse Consultants Program: Presenter- Medical Malpractice Classes
- Litigation Support Program: Member, Advisory Committee
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Legal Experience
- Mediator, Asher Mediation - 2008 to present
- Partner, Strauss & Asher - 1995 to 2007
- Paralegal / Associate Attorney - Monaghan & Strauss - 1986 to 1995
- Legal Secretary / Paralegal - 1977 to 1986
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Education and Training
- Thomas Jefferson School of Law
- Juris Doctor, May 1994 – Summa Cum Laude
- Judicial Externship - Hon. David Thompson, United States Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit
- Law Review, Dean’s Circle, National Dean’s List, Who’s Who in Colleges & Universities, American Jurisprudence Awards in 12 Subjects
- Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, Pepperdine University School of Law
- “Mediating the Litigated Case” - February 2008
- National Conflict Resolution Center Training Institute
- “Introductory Mediation Skills Training” - May 2008
- Mediator Credentialing Program – Completed June 2009
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