Denise A. Whitelaw

Denise A. Whitelaw is a personal injury attorney at Rutter Mills who represents people facing real problems after serious injuries. She brings decades of trial experience as defense counsel for insurance companies. Today, she uses that knowledge to prepare strong cases that can withstand opposing counsel.

Denise earned her B.A. from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. She received her Diplome from Institut d’Etudes Politiques in Paris, France. She also earned her J.D. from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, California, in 1986.

Denise is Avvo Rated and has been a member of the California Bar Association since 1986. She has been a member of the Virginia State Bar since 1998 and of the District of Columbia Bar Association. These associations reflect her long legal career.

Denise focuses her practice on personal injury cases, including car accidents, truck accidents, and wrongful death matters. She understands how injuries can affect a person’s health, money, emotions, and family life. Her goal is to make sure each client’s full story is clearly heard.

Denise joined Rutter Mills to stand up for vulnerable people and hold responsible parties accountable. Her past work as a senior trial attorney for insurance companies, including USAA® and Geico®, has given her an understanding of insurance tactics and the ability to build cases through careful planning, clear proof, and strong legal arguments.

Denise A. Whitelaw is known for listening closely, explaining legal issues clearly, and supporting clients through stressful times. She believes every case deserves respect, attention, and careful preparation. Her work is focused on helping injured clients seek justice and move toward recovery.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Rutter Mills LLP
• Member, Virginia State Bar
• Member, California Bar Association
• Member, District of Columbia Bar Association

Licensed State

• Virginia
• District of Columbia
• California

Education

• University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Wesleyan University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges