Alumnus John “Jack” Denove ’76 is all about families: his, and those torn apart by the acts of others. Loyola’s Civil Justice Program will honor the renowned plaintiffs’ attorney for his work at its 13th-annual Tribute to the Champions of Justice awards ceremony at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017 at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
In law practice with his wife Mary Bennett ’76, whom he met as a student at Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, Denove has dedicated much of his life to helping families destroyed by wrongful death, catastrophic injury and the failure of insurance companies to make good on their promises. As a founding partner of Cheong, Denove, Rowell & Bennett, he has tried more than 150 civil trials to verdict, representing plaintiffs in medical malpractice, insurance bad faith, police misconduct, product liability and other cases.
Denove has secured large settlements in products liability cases against large manufacturers of consumer goods. In one recent case, Denove persuaded a major tire manufacturer to settle after securing evidence on the lasting devastating consequences to be suffered by his client as a result of a tire defect.
Known as a fighter both in and out of court thanks to his dual pastimes of boxing and karate, Denove credits Loyola with preparing him for his life as an advocate for the underdog. “Loyola's recognition that trial skills can be taught has given its graduates a tremendous advantage,” Denove says. “I will always be grateful to Loyola for giving me the education and opportunity to represent those who have been harmed by the negligence, and at times intentional, conduct of others.”
Proud to hire almost exclusively from his alma mater, Denove has surrounded himself with fellow alumni. His associates include Loyola alumni Alicia Curran '96, Shane Hapuarachy '10 and Sophie Etemadi '14. And just this year, he is celebrating 40 years of partnership with alumnus Wilkie Cheong ’76.
Speaking truth to power, Denove has helped disenfranchised clients hold government entities accountable. In an excessive-force case earlier this year, he secured a $2 million jury verdict for the family of a man shot in the back by Los Angeles police. Elsewhere, Denove made headlines for his representation of the victims of a Visalia wrongful police shooting. Through it all, he has been deeply involved with major bar organizations to improve the profession and those it seeks to assist.
Loyola’s Tribute to the Champions of Justice ceremony annually attracts more than 500 judges and attorneys. The awards honor those who make significant contributions to the civil justice system. Honorees’ careers are marked by professional excellence, technical proficiency and uncompromising integrity. Joining Denove in this year’s honors is Robert A. Morgenstern, senior partner, Maranga Morgenstern APLC. Learn more about the program.