Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck today announced that Douglas “Doug” J. Friednash, one of Denver’s leading attorneys, will join the firm on January 1, 2014, as a shareholder. Friednash’s practice will focus on public policy, government affairs and commercial transactions. He joins the firm’s nationally renowned Government Relations group and will work closely with attorneys and policy directors across Brownstein’s 14 offices to help clients interpret and navigate government actions, solve challenges and seize opportunities through interaction with government officials. A Denver native, Friednash most recently served as Denver’s city attorney for Mayor Michael B. Hancock.
“Doug is one of Denver’s powerhouse attorneys,” said Adam Agron, Brownstein’s co-managing partner. “Just like our firm, if there is a high-profile issue in Denver, odds are Doug’s been involved in creating a practical solution. Doug’s ability to solve complex government and business issues allows our firm to continue to play an integral role in the major deals impacting Colorado.”
Since August 15, 2011, Friednash has served as Denver’s city attorney and has managed one of the largest law firms in Colorado, with 100 attorneys and 90 staff members comprised of paralegals, victim advocates, and other support and supervisory staff members. His team supports the mayor, auditor, the Clerk and Recorder, City Council and all city agencies, departments, boards and commissions from Denver International Airport to the Denver Police Department. Friednash’s practice has focused on representing Mayor Hancock in all matters involving the administration as well as municipal operations, litigation, and airport legal services.
“Doug has been a dedicated and valuable contributor to my administration from the earliest days,” the Mayor said. “While he will be missed, I thank him for exhibiting the kind of leadership and counsel that will carry this office forward.”
Governor John Hickenlooper said, “Doug is a remarkable attorney and public servant. He leaves big shoes to fill at the City of Denver but brings a wealth of trust, smarts and experience to Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck. Doug has been a great partner for the State of Colorado, and we wish him well in his new role.”
Prior to serving as Denver’s city attorney, Friednash was a shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, where he represented clients in governmental matters and election issues. He was lead counsel in Ritchie v. Ritter, where he represented a coalition of groups challenging the constitutionality of Colorado’s Amendment 54. He was also legal counsel to Mark Udall’s campaign for U.S. Senate. Previously, Friednash worked on the Dukakis presidential campaign in 1987–1988 and then returned to Colorado to work in the Colorado Attorney General’s Office-Criminal Enforcement Section. In 1992, he was elected to the Colorado House of Representatives where he served two terms representing Southeast Denver.
“I can’t think of a better firm to join,” said Friednash. “At Brownstein, I will get to continue solving complex issues while helping businesses navigate local and state bureaucracy. The firm is involved in the deals and projects that I want to be involved in. And while working for Mayor Hancock was one of the best jobs I’ve ever had, I’m looking forward to joining one of the country’s strongest government relations teams and working alongside the firm’s talented attorneys and policy directors.”
In addition to his commitment as an attorney, Friednash has a long history of giving back to the nonprofit community. He has served on the Board of Directors, Denver Public Schools Foundation; Executive Committee, Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation; Board of Directors and Executive Committee, Aurora Economic Development Council; and the University of San Diego School of Law Alumni Association Board of Directors.
Friednash earned his law degree from the University of San Diego School of Law and undergraduate degrees from the University of California Santa Barbara.
