Previously known as Burke Law Group PLLC
Dena Allen
Partner Member of the Firm
Practicing in Family Law Litigation, Collaborative Law Divorce, Cooperative Divorce, Adoptions, Estate Planning, and Probate
As an attorney and mediator, Dena says: "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.
"Although I do litigation, I always strive in my practice for settlement before trial where this is possible. I have many years of experience using mediation, both for my client's benefit and as the neutral mediator. Additionally, my experience has shown that Collaborative Law can also provide positive results for my clients. Which process I use is dependent upon the circumstances related to the specific case, and the underlying desires and motivations of my clients.
"I grew up in East Wenatchee, Washington, and graduated from Eastmont H.S. in 1985. I received my undergraduate degree from UCLA in 1990, my law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law in 1994, and was admitted to the Washington State Bar Association shortly thereafter. As a family law attorney, my practice runs the spectrum of legal issues that affect most families at some time: Estate and Trust planning and disputes, Guardianships, Divorce, Custody, Prenuptial Agreements, Adoptions, and Modifications of existing Court orders."
Dena and her husband have two grown children, and 6 chickens who call Spokane's South Hill their home. Dena is an accomplished artist and published fiction author.