Dena is known as a tough but fair litigator, who emphasizes in her practice the need for settlement before the trial where this is possible. She has many years of experience using mediation, both for her client's benefit and as the neutral mediator. Additionally, her experience has shown that Collaborative Law can also provide positive results for her clients. Which process is used is dependent upon the circumstances related to the specific case, and the underlying desires and motivations of her clients. Dena states "I believe that an important contribution I provide to my clients is a supportive atmosphere that emphasizes respect and decency. Whether it is a divorce, or a disputed estate, these are legal matters between family members that are just inherently prone to emotional escalation. It isn’t ‘just business.’ Because of that, it is important to focus on both an equitable end result and a process to get there that strives for respect and common decency. My philosophy: The journey is just as important as the destination. Depending on how it is done, and regardless of the outcome, these most difficult of life events can be something that will be looked back upon with a sense of shame or pride.” Dena’s practice runs the spectrum of legal issues that divide families: Estate and Trust disputes, Guardianships, Divorce, Custody, Prenuptial Agreements, Modifications of existing Court orders, and Adoptions.