Denise Gorrell
We sat down with Women to Women Network member Denise Gorrell of Samuels Yoelin Kantor LLP, and here's what she had to say…
Who are your clients/customers?
My clients are generally individuals or small businesses with real estate legal needs. My subspecialty is working with hospitality businesses like restaurants and wineries. Our firm was founded by working directly with individuals and the business they started.
How do you help your clients/customers?
I'm the chair of the real estate department in my firm, so I work with my clients on acquisitions and sales and in landlord/tenant situations. I am also involved in leasing on both the commercial and residential side. My practice includes both litigation and transactional cases. I started out solely doing litigation, but as my real estate practice grew I saw great value in building my transactional practice. Having experience in both fields allows me to support my clients fully.
Real estate is one of the most significant investments an individual makes and with the cost of real estate in the area continuing to grow, it's crucial to have a lawyer who is solely representing your side of the deal. A realtor sometimes works on both sides of a deal, so I am there to make sure my client’s best interests are protected and to bring peace of mind to my clients.
When a client has a realtor they are working with, I will interact with title companies on their behalf and can explain the legal documents. For clients who do not have a realtor, I will handle all the contracts, from preparing to reviewing.
What brought you to this line of work?
When I was 11 years old, I told my mom's attorney that I would be a lawyer. By the time I went to college though, my plans had changed, and I intended to go into international business. I worked in the restaurant and wine business for about five years until I realized that law was still a calling for me.
I went to law school and, after passing the bar, started my practice with a focus on business litigation, personal injury, and landlord/tenant disputes. Over the years, my focus grew toward the real estate and hospitality industries. My years working in the restaurant and wine industries gave me a strong appreciation for the Pacific Northwest’s incredible wineries and food scene, so it's great to have clients that keep me involved in that world.
What brings you joy?
I certainly love when a deal closes and I see my clients starting their next big adventure. Whether they've bought their dream house or expanded their business to a larger location, it's a joy to be a part of the process. I always look forward to visiting my client's restaurants or wineries and sharing their passions.
What defines you and your business?
I am people-focused! I learned to create rewarding experiences for people during my time in the hospitality business and that carried over into my law career. Being an attorney is very customer service-oriented. I'm not just solving legal issues. I'm helping people better their lives, open themselves to new possibilities, and leave behind difficult situations. I enjoy helping my clients achieve their goals.
What's the most important thing you want people to know about you and your business?
I'm here to make the overwhelming process of purchasing or leasing real estate or opening a hospitality business more approachable. I break the process down into manageable pieces. It is important to me that my clients understand every document they sign. I want my clients to feel informed and comfortable while taking their next big step.