Denise Hicks Brown, Senior Attorney

Denise is a Senior Attorney with significant experience in all areas of family law. Having begun her family law career as a full-time advocate for survivors of intimate partner violence, Denise is a trauma-informed attorney and many of her clients are survivors of child abuse, sexual assault, and physical and emotional abuse. Denise always approached her representation from a negotiate and settle perspective, which allows clients more control over their future. But if settlement is not possible, Denise is a zealous advocate in the courtroom.

Denise received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia and her Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law (now UC Law, SF), in San Francisco, California. Denise served as a Law Clerk in both the Marin County Public Defender’s and San Francisco Federal Public Defender’s Offices. She began her transition to family law as the Staff Attorney at Heartly House, Inc. providing legal services to victims of intimate partner violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking in Frederick County.

Prior to joining SPM, Denise has practiced family law almost exclusively in private law firms based in Frederick and Howard Counties, while representing clients throughout Maryland. Denise is licensed to practice in Maryland and the District of Columbia, and also serves as a family law mediator.

Denise is an active member of the Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA) and various local bar associations. She has been appointed to and serves on various boards of directors and committees to improve the practice of law and also enhance the community.