Denise Rose
Practice Areas
Experience
- Electric Regulatory
- Energy Regulation & Governmental Affairs
- Government Contracts & Procurement
- Healthcare Legislative & Governmental Issues
- Insurance
- Insurance Administrative, Investigative, and Regulatory Matters
âDenise helps us navigate a tricky political landscape to bring us big wins. Her relationships with the right people and vast institutional knowledge really helps. Her strategy and focus is a powerful asset for us to achieve our goals.â
— Client Quoted in Chambers USA Guide, 2024
âShe makes you feel and know you are well taken care of. Denise is extremely knowledgeable and very well connected as well as being personable, efficient and smart.â
— Client Quoted in Chambers USA Guide, 2024
âHer insight and expertise is so valuable to us. She is highly responsive and very timely as well as being accommodating. She always comes prepared to whatever meeting we might be having.â
— Client Quoted in Chambers USA Guide, 2024
Biography
When Denise Rose came to Jackson Walker, her primary experience was in the healthcare arena; however, in the time she has been at the Firm, she has expanded her practice across the business spectrum. Denise continues to work successfully for a broad array of clients on their legislative and regulatory issues, whether those issues are environmental, healthcare, local government, licensing, or procurement focused. She is adept at navigating the nuanced and complicated Texas budget process and has successfully helped clients achieve their goals.
Denise has been working in and around the Texas Capitol for two decades, and her strength is a deep knowledge of the legislative process and the people involved. She has cultivated relationships throughout the Texas Capitol and in state agencies. Denise provides effective strategic counsel to clients on a wide variety of issues, including but not limited to Medicaid and hospital finance, special utility districts, occupational licensing, health care quality, and agency rulemaking processes and requests for proposals. Denise is adept in the legislative drafting process. She represents non-profit organizations, nationally ranked hospitals, and Fortune 500 companies at the Capitol.
Prior to joining Jackson Walker, Denise served as Assistant Vice President for Legislative Affairs at the Texas A&M Health Science Center, where her work was primarily focused on the Health Science Centerâs budget needs for the stateâs healthcare workforce. Prior to the A&M Health Science Center, Denise served as the Senior Director of Government Relations at the Texas Hospital Association. She has years of experience tracking and analyzing legislation specific to hospitals and health-related institutions, and she has also drafted legislation, amendments, and expert witness testimony on various topics, as well as legislative appropriations requests and budget riders.
Previously, Denise served as the Government Relations Liaison for Texas Childrenâs Hospital and as a policy analyst at the Sunset Advisory Commission. She began her career at the Capitol as a Health Law Legislative Fellow for State Representative Vicki Truitt.
Education
B.S., University of Oklahoma
J.D., University of Houston Law Center
Bar Admissions
Texas
Areas of Focus
- Regulatory work at state healthcare and veterinary licensing boards
- Health insurance, including commercial and Texas Medicaid Managed Care
- State Budget Issues, including Hospital Finance, Medicaid and CHIP, and Higher Education Funding
- Healthcare Quality Initiatives
- Healthcare Workforce Issues
- Public Health Policy
- Sunset Commission Reviews
- Special Utility Districts
- Environmental quality issues
- Legislative drafting
Career Highlights
- Helped create the structure and wrote subsequent legislation that modernized the method by which Texasâ graduate medical education programs are funded.
- Assisted hospital client in passage of legislation creating a Certificate of Public Advantage and helped client successfully navigate this process at the state level.
- Assisted multiple hospital systems in recouping over $3 million in Medicaid payments.
- Successfully assisted a special utility district in passing legislation allowing them to dissolve.
- Helped pass legislation creating local provider participation funds, which give hospitals the ability to access millions of dollars in additional federal funding for indigent healthcare.
- Helped secure the largest funding increase in history for Family Violence program services
- Succeeded in obtaining the first significant rate increase for Meals on Wheels providers since 1993
- Helped pass legislation requiring all Texas Medicaid managed care plans to be accredited
- Assisted in the passage of legislation creating an independent medical review process for Texas Medicaid managed care denials and appeals
- Secured funding creating the Texas Mobile STEM lab grant program and successfully advocated for growth of the program to serve additional school districts
- Helped pass legislation allowing Texas dental hygienist to administer local anesthesia
- Assisted in securing funding eliminating the copay for reduced price breakfasts for qualified Texas students
- The Lawdragon Green 500: Leaders in Environmental Law, Environment & Natural Resources, Lawdragon, 2026
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), Government Relations Practice, 2026
- Chambers USA: Americaâs Leading Lawyers for Business, Ranked for Government Relations: State & Local â USA â Nationwide (Band 1), 2024-2025
- Top Hired Gun Lobbyists of the Year, USLege Best in Government Affairs List, 2025
- “Austinâs Top Attorneys” List, Austin Monthly, 2025
- Supporter of Women Award, Pink Granite Foundation, 2021
- Top Hired Gun, Capitol Inside Lobby Power Rankings, 2021 and 2023 and 2025
- Rising Star, Capitol Inside Lobby Power Rankings, 2019
Speaking Engagements
- Participated in a âWomen in Advocacyâ panel at the Denton County Leadership Forum hosted by Texas Association of Broadcasters (March 2023)
- “Economic Development in 2020 and Beyond,” Jackson Walker, the Valued Advisor Fund, the Texas Mezzanine Fund, and CHHS webinar (July 15, 2020)
- “Denise Rose,” Pink Granite podcast interview with Nelda Hunter (June 4, 2020)
- “What Phase 1 of Governor Abbott’s Plan to Reopen Texas Means for Texas Businesses,” Jackson Walker Fast Takes Podcast (May 1, 2020)
- Panelist, “Capitol Insiders Discuss State Policy,” Texas State Reform Health Policy Conference (2018)
In the News
- “Law Firm Lobby Shops Offer Clients One-Stop Shopping,” The Texas Lawbook (January 10, 2023)
- “Texas Legislation To Watch In Early 2023,” Law360 (January 2, 2023)
- Texas Bar Foundation, Fellow, Class of 2020
- Leadership Texas, Class of 2020
- Childrenâs Advocacy Centers of Texas
- Board of Directors
- Women of Courage Member
- Travis County Women Lawyerâs Association
- Texans Care For Children
- Board Member
- Past Treasurer
- GirlForward Texas Chapter, Founding Board Member, 2015-2016
- Wine and Food Foundation of Texas, Membership Committee
- Dress for Success Austin, Advisory Committee
- Mobile Loaves and Fishes, Volunteer
- GENAustin, Volunteer
- Texas Association of Business’ State PACÂ (BACPAC), Board Member, 2018
âCap Chat Texasâ Podcast Interviews Jackson Walker Partner Denise Rose
Jackson Walker partner Denise Rose joined hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz on the Cap Chat Texas podcast to discuss the journey of her career from aspiring doctor to lawyer and lobbyist.
Mentions • February 20, 2026
Denise Rose Appointed to Texas Womanâs University Speakers Bureau
Jackson Walker is proud to announce that partner Denise Rose has been appointed to the Texas Womanâs University Center for Women in Government (CWG) Speakers Bureau, housed within the Jane Nelson Institute for Womenâs Leadership.
Attorney News • October 24, 2025
USLege Names Denise Rose Among “Top Hired Gun Lobbyists of the Year”
Jackson Walker announces that Denise Rose, Chair of the Government Relations & Public Policy practice group, has been named to USLegeâs Top Hired Gun Lobbyists of the Year as part of its 2025 Best in Government Affairs Awards.
Attorney News • October 21, 2025
âThe Best Lawyers in Americaâ Features 350 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2026 Edition, Including 10 âLawyers of the Yearâ and 106 âOnes to Watchâ
The Best Lawyers in America, a widely regarded guide to legal excellence, has recognized 350 Jackson Walker attorneys across 87 specialty practice areas in its 2026 edition, including 10 Lawyers of the Year and 106 Ones to Watch.
Attorney News • August 21, 2025
âAustin Monthlyâ Lists 44 Jackson Walker Attorneys Among âAustinâs Top Attorneysâ of 2025
Jackson Walker congratulates the 44 attorneys recognized among Austin Monthlyâs list of âAustinâs Top Attorneysâ for 2025. For recognition in the list, Austin attorneys must be nominated by their peers on the basis that they offer experienced counsel in one of 40 categories.
Attorney News • July 15, 2025
Chambers and Partners Releases 2025 USA Guide Featuring 79 Jackson Walker Attorneys and 28 Ranked Departments
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 79 attorneys and 28 departments for inclusion in the 2025 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys were ranked across 29 departments, with 4 attorneys listed among multiple areas, 9 ranked nationwide in their respective areas, and 12 recognized for the first time.
Spotlight • June 5, 2025
âCapitol Insideâ Names Denise Rose and Jackson Walkerâs Legislative Team to 2025 âTexas Lobby Power Rankingsâ
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce Denise Rose and the legislative teamâs inclusion in the 2024 âTexas Lobby Power Rankingsâ from Capitol Inside, a recognized source for news and information on Texas politics and government.
Attorney News • March 14, 2025
Texas Set to Launch Its First National Stock Exchange
In a groundbreaking move that highlights Texasâ growing influence in the financial sector, Texas is on the verge of establishing its first national stock exchange. Led by James Lee, the Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE) successfully raised approximately $120 million from individual investors and large firms.
Insights • June 11, 2024
Denise Rose and Kate Goodrich Lead Government Relations Team in Chambers USA Guide Rankings
Jackson Walker proudly announces the first-time ranking of Denise Rose, Kate Goodrich, and the Government Relations & Public Policy practice in the Chambers USA Guide released on June 6, 2024.
Spotlight • June 6, 2024
Chambers and Partners Releases 2024 USA Guide Featuring 67 Jackson Walker Attorneys and 23 Ranked Departments
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 67 attorneys and 23 departments for inclusion in the 2024 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys were ranked across 27 departments, with 3 attorneys listed among multiple areas, 8 ranked nationwide in their respective areas, and 15 recognized for the first time.
Spotlight • June 6, 2024
‘Capitol Inside’ Recognizes Denise Rose and Jackson Walker’s Legislative Team in the 2023 “Texas Lobby Power Rankings”
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the legislative teamâs inclusion in the 2023 âTexas Lobby Power Rankingsâ from Capitol Inside, a recognized source for news and information on Texas politics and government. In addition, Denise Rose was ranked among the âHired Gunsâ list of the top lobbyists in the state.
Spotlight • February 6, 2023
Law Firm Lobby Shops Offer Clients One-Stop Shopping: Denise Rose, “The Budget Expert” | The Texas Lawbook (Subscription Required)
In the nearly two decades that Denise Rose has worked in and around the Capitol, she has learned the importance of being a keen observer of both people and numbers.
By Janet Elliott, The Texas Lawbook
Mentions • January 10, 2023
Texas Legislation to Watch in Early 2023: Open Records Issues and Nursing Shortage
In a Law360 article discussing key issues that Texas lawmakers may address in 2023, Jackson Walker partners Stacy Allen and Denise Rose shared insight on efforts to restrict public records access and the workforce shortage in the hospital industry.
Mentions • January 3, 2023
Denise Rose Presented With First-Ever Pink Granite Supporter of Women Award
Jackson Walker proudly congratulates Denise Rose on receiving the first-ever Pink Granite Supporter of Women Award in honor of her work at the Texas Capitol and her service to the community.
Attorney News • September 27, 2021
How Texas Is Protecting Healthcare Workers Fighting COVID-19 | D Magazine
With the Pandemic Liability Protection Act in effect, Denise Rose spoke with D Magazine about the protections afforded to physicians and other health care workers treating patients who have tested positive for COVID-19.
Mentions • August 9, 2021
Texas Legislative Update on Governor Abbottâs Special Session Agenda
Texas legislators have convened for a special session to address the 11 agenda items recently issued by Governor Abbott. This article summarizes the items up for discussion during the session, including two emergency items on bail reform and election integrity that did not reach the governorâs desk during the regular session.
Insights • July 8, 2021
Overview of 87th Texas Legislature: Key Bills, the State Budget, and Jackson Walker’s Role
While many thought the 87th Texas Legislature would be limited in scope to COVID-related needs, the end results were much more expansive. Government Relations & Public Policy attorneys Denise Rose and Kate Goodrich cover some of the key bills that passed and failed, the state budget, and the role Jackson Walkerâs Legislative team played during the recent legislative session.
Podcasts • June 28, 2021
âCapitol Insideâ Recognizes Denise Rose and Jackson Walkerâs Legislative Team in the 2021 âTexas Lobby Power Rankingsâ
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the legislative teamâs inclusion in the 2021 âTexas Lobby Power Rankingsâ from Capitol Inside. In addition, Austin partner Denise Rose was elevated to the list of âHired Guns,â ranking No. 56 among the top lobbyists in the state.
Spotlight • February 25, 2021
Webinar: “2021 Legislative Forecast”
Postponed Due to Weather
With the 2021 Texas Legislative Session underway and a new federal COVID-19 relief package on the table in Washington, our panelists will discuss the logistics of legislating in a pandemic, priorities announced by the Governor and other state leaders in Austin, the current status of immunity from liability for COVID claims, and President Bidenâs proposed COVID relief package.
Webinars • February 18, 2021
Practice Experience
Areas of Focus
- Regulatory work at state healthcare and veterinary licensing boards
- Health insurance, including commercial and Texas Medicaid Managed Care
- State Budget Issues, including Hospital Finance, Medicaid and CHIP, and Higher Education Funding
- Healthcare Quality Initiatives
- Healthcare Workforce Issues
- Public Health Policy
- Sunset Commission Reviews
- Special Utility Districts
- Environmental quality issues
- Legislative drafting
Career Highlights
- Helped create the structure and wrote subsequent legislation that modernized the method by which Texasâ graduate medical education programs are funded.
- Assisted hospital client in passage of legislation creating a Certificate of Public Advantage and helped client successfully navigate this process at the state level.
- Assisted multiple hospital systems in recouping over $3 million in Medicaid payments.
- Successfully assisted a special utility district in passing legislation allowing them to dissolve.
- Helped pass legislation creating local provider participation funds, which give hospitals the ability to access millions of dollars in additional federal funding for indigent healthcare.
- Helped secure the largest funding increase in history for Family Violence program services
- Succeeded in obtaining the first significant rate increase for Meals on Wheels providers since 1993
- Helped pass legislation requiring all Texas Medicaid managed care plans to be accredited
- Assisted in the passage of legislation creating an independent medical review process for Texas Medicaid managed care denials and appeals
- Secured funding creating the Texas Mobile STEM lab grant program and successfully advocated for growth of the program to serve additional school districts
- Helped pass legislation allowing Texas dental hygienist to administer local anesthesia
- Assisted in securing funding eliminating the copay for reduced price breakfasts for qualified Texas students
Recognition & Accolades
- The Lawdragon Green 500: Leaders in Environmental Law, Environment & Natural Resources, Lawdragon, 2026
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), Government Relations Practice, 2026
- Chambers USA: Americaâs Leading Lawyers for Business, Ranked for Government Relations: State & Local â USA â Nationwide (Band 1), 2024-2025
- Top Hired Gun Lobbyists of the Year, USLege Best in Government Affairs List, 2025
- “Austinâs Top Attorneys” List, Austin Monthly, 2025
- Supporter of Women Award, Pink Granite Foundation, 2021
- Top Hired Gun, Capitol Inside Lobby Power Rankings, 2021 and 2023 and 2025
- Rising Star, Capitol Inside Lobby Power Rankings, 2019
Publications & Speeches
Speaking Engagements
- Participated in a âWomen in Advocacyâ panel at the Denton County Leadership Forum hosted by Texas Association of Broadcasters (March 2023)
- “Economic Development in 2020 and Beyond,” Jackson Walker, the Valued Advisor Fund, the Texas Mezzanine Fund, and CHHS webinar (July 15, 2020)
- “Denise Rose,” Pink Granite podcast interview with Nelda Hunter (June 4, 2020)
- “What Phase 1 of Governor Abbott’s Plan to Reopen Texas Means for Texas Businesses,” Jackson Walker Fast Takes Podcast (May 1, 2020)
- Panelist, “Capitol Insiders Discuss State Policy,” Texas State Reform Health Policy Conference (2018)
In the News
- “Law Firm Lobby Shops Offer Clients One-Stop Shopping,” The Texas Lawbook (January 10, 2023)
- “Texas Legislation To Watch In Early 2023,” Law360 (January 2, 2023)
Community Involvement
- Texas Bar Foundation, Fellow, Class of 2020
- Leadership Texas, Class of 2020
- Childrenâs Advocacy Centers of Texas
- Board of Directors
- Women of Courage Member
- Travis County Women Lawyerâs Association
- Texans Care For Children
- Board Member
- Past Treasurer
- GirlForward Texas Chapter, Founding Board Member, 2015-2016
- Wine and Food Foundation of Texas, Membership Committee
- Dress for Success Austin, Advisory Committee
- Mobile Loaves and Fishes, Volunteer
- GENAustin, Volunteer
- Texas Association of Business’ State PACÂ (BACPAC), Board Member, 2018