Denise Choung - La Jolla, CA
Attorney at Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, LLP
Financial Services Litigation Lawyers in La Jolla, CA
7911 Herschel Avenue Suite 300 La Jolla, CA 92037
- Free Consultation
- 1 Super Lawyers®
-
7
Years
Experience
La Jolla Financial Services Litigation Lawyer
Updated: 10/09/2026
Areas of Practice
- Financial Services Litigation
- Employee Benefits
- Employment Law - Employee
- Civil Rights
- Employment Litigation: Plaintiff
- Appellate
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
Attorney Information
Overview
Denise Choung is an attorney at Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, LLP, in La Jolla, California, practicing nationwide. She focuses her practice on employment disputes, ERISA litigation involving 401(k) and ESOP mismanagement, and civil rights. Bringing a disciplined, detail-oriented approach to uncovering financial irregularities, she ensures robust advocacy and strategic resolution for clients navigating intricate regulatory and commercial landscapes.
Prior to launching her legal career in California, Ms. Choung completed her bachelor’s degree from Korea University and a Master of Business Administration degree from INSEAD. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of Minnesota Law School and proceeded to obtain a Master of Laws in International Dispute Resolution at Queen Mary University of London. Licensed in California since 2023, she is additionally admitted to practice law in Minnesota, New York, and New Jersey and as a solicitor in England and Wales.
Earning early experience through a clerkship at the Minnesota Fourth Judicial District Court, Ms. Choung gained valuable insight into judicial decision-making. Internationally, she also served as an arbitration intern at Herbert Smith Freehills in London and the International Court of Arbitration of the ICC in New York. These roles provided her with opportunities to work on complex cross-border commercial disputes and the administration of international arbitrations.
Prior to her legal career, Ms. Choung spent more than a decade working internationally as a business developer, sports marketer, and management consultant for global tech corporations like Samsung Electronics and Nokia. This extensive corporate background—spanning both strategic and operational roles, particularly in the IT sector—enhances her ability to serve clients. She speaks the language of business, identifies misconduct embedded in complex corporate decision-making, and develops credible, business-grounded case theories.
Focus areas:
- Employee Benefits/Litigation: 50% (within this category, 30% is Appellate)
- Employment Law – Employee: 50% (within this category, 15% litigation/alternative dispute resolution)
Awards and Honors
Other Sources of Feedback About Denise Choung
Included on the 2027 San Diego Super Lawyers list
Past Lists
- 2026 San Diego Super Lawyers list
Education
Legal Education
-
University of Minnesota Law School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
J.D.
Honors: Outstanding Editor Award
Honors: Student Director of the Human Rights Litigation and International Advocacy Clinic
Honors: Dean's List
Honors: Full Scholarship
Law Journal: Minnesota Journal of International Law, Managing Editor -
Queen Mary and Westfield College University of London Faculty of Law, London, England
LL.M.
Non Legal Education
-
Korea University, Korea
B.A. -
INSEAD
M.B.A.
Current Employment Position(s)
-
Associate
Pro Bono Activities
- Human Rights Litigation and International Advocacy Clinic, University of Minnesota
Bar Admissions
- Minnesota
- New York
- New Jersey
- England and Wales
Photo
Contact
7911 Herschel Avenue
Suite 300
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone Number: 888-681-5583
Fax Number: 646-402-5651
Email: Send a message
Website: https://sanfordheisler.com/
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