She is instructed by insurers to defend high value property damage and construction claims on behalf of their policy holders as well as pursuing subrogated recovery actions to recover insurers' outlay.

She has over 13 years’ experience advising on all aspects of policy coverage including product liability and potentially fraudulent claims.

Denise has worked on a number of disputes arising outside the jurisdiction. She has also developed specialist knowledge of claims involving renewable energy plants/construction projects. As well as having extensive experience of mediation, alternative dispute resolution and has provided seminars to clients on a range of insurance issues.

Relevant experience includes:

Acting for the successful second defendant in the case of Hiscox Insurance Co. Ltd v Quendon Interiors Ltd (1) Mr Ismail Oral (t/a Precious Marble)(2) TP&N Electrical Contractors Ltd (3) (2018) which considered the test for claims in negligence.

Acting for the applicant in the matter of Peel Port Shareholder Finance Company Ltd v Dornoch Ltd (2017) which considered the Third Parties (Rights Against Insurers) Act 2010 within the context of a Pre-Action Disclosure Application.

Acting for insurers in successfully defending a claim from a policyholder (in Scotland) where the property was destroyed by non-accidental means.

Acting for insurers in all aspects of property damage and construction claims at renewable energy plants including on-shore and off-shore wind, solar and biomass.

Denise also heads up the Climate Change Desk bringing together a team of experts from across the firm to help clients identify and prepare for the challenges ahead. She has also written a number of insurance focused articles on climate change and renewable energy as well as delivering seminars to insurers.

Denise and her team are recognised in the Legal 500 2020:

“James Deacon, associate Eleanor Whittaker and senior associate Denise Eastlake can always be counted on to assist when needed”