Denise D. Pentino

Denise D. Pentino is a partner with Dinsmore in Wheeling, West Virginia, and serves as the managing partner of the office. Pentino practices in Class Actions & Mass Tort and Litigation, Disputes & Investigations, with substantial work for insurance and chemical-industry clients. The practice includes insurance bad faith, chemical exposure, multiparty litigation, mass torts, and medical-monitoring claims involving alleged exposure to substances such as benzene.

Pentino earned a J.D. from West Virginia University College of Law in 1994, where Pentino participated in Moot Court, and a B.A. in Political Science from Wheeling Jesuit University in 1990. Pentino was recognized as the outstanding senior in the social sciences. This education supports a litigation practice requiring legal analysis, oral advocacy, management of large factual records, and coordination of complex claims involving multiple parties, scientific evidence, and insurance issues.

Pentino represents companies in class actions, mass torts, insurance disputes, and other complex civil litigation. The work includes defending chemical-exposure and medical-monitoring claims as well as matters involving alleged insurer bad faith. These disputes can require management of extensive discovery, expert testimony, causation evidence, and coordinated strategy across many claims. Pentino’s leadership role within the firm complements a practice that often demands organization across large teams and significant litigation portfolios.

Denise D. Pentino has received recognition from Best Lawyers for commercial and litigation work and combines that experience with leadership of Dinsmore’s Wheeling office. Pentino’s practice is focused on helping businesses manage complex disputes involving insurance, alleged toxic exposure, class claims, and mass torts. By developing a structured approach to evidence, expert issues, and litigation strategy, Pentino assists clients in addressing high-stakes matters with significant operational and financial implications.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
• Member, The West Virginia State Bar
• Immediate Past Chair of the Board and Board Chair, The Health Plan of West Virginia (2021-2024)
• Member, Leadership West Virginia (2008)
• Member, Compensation, Bylaws, Mergers & Acquisitions Executive Committees (2025)

Licensed State

• West Virginia

Education

• West Virginia University College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Wheeling Jesuit University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges