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Denise Stephenson

Denise Stephenson

Managing Associate

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Denise is a Managing Associate with extensive experience in planning law and a strong track record of delivering strategic legal advice across both public and private sector projects. She returned to Sharpe Pritchard in 2025 after six years away,  first in-house at the Royal Mail and then in a leadership role at her own charity, Reach Out 2 Kids.

In her previous period as a partner at Sharpe Pritchard, Denise worked for a number of years on many complex developments mainly for local authorities. Denise was the sole Planning Lawyer in the UK for Royal Mail during her time there, advising on major redevelopment projects and planning law matters.

Denise’s role:

Denise advises on complex planning matters, drawing on her varied experience in local government, infrastructure, and large-scale redevelopment.

She has particular expertise in Section 106 agreements, development strategy, and planning policy advice, and regularly works with local authorities, developers and statutory consultees on a range of complex matters.

Denise combines her legal practice with a passion for social impact and mentoring, supporting both clients and younger professionals in navigating their challenges with confidence and clarity.

Skills and strengths:

Denise brings strong analytical thinking, pragmatism and a collaborative approach to her work. She is a thoughtful communicator, known for her listening skills and her ability to nurture early-career lawyers. Her experience across sectors allows her to deliver well-rounded, strategic advice in a pragmatic manner.

  • Charities
  • Education
  • Infrastructure
  • Local Government
  • Planning
  • Public law
  • Regeneration and development
  • At the Royal Mail, Denise advised the General Counsel and senior leadership on planning matters, including the Nine Elms Parkside scheme – a 5.6 hectare redevelopment of a key Royal Mail depot in Wandsworth, forming part of the wider Vauxhall Battersea Opportunity Area.
  • At Sharpe Pritchard, she led on the redevelopment of Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium for AFC Wimbledon, acting for a London Borough. Her work included leading negotiations on the Section 106 agreement, advising on the development agreement, and commenting on the draft transfer documentation.