Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck is pleased to announce that Doug Friednash, a shareholder in the firm’s Denver office, has been named chair of the firm’s State & Local Legislation & Policy Group.
Brownstein is one of the most widely recognized and respected law and policy firms in the western United States and Washington, D.C. Predicated on its state lobbying practices in four western states—California, Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico—the firm is continuing its expansion and focus on a national state and local policy practice. To best serve clients, the firm’s practice goes beyond the traditional approach focused in the halls of state legislatures, and includes the ability to effectively engage with governors, state attorneys general, mayors, legislative leaders and regulatory officials as they continue to gain power in today’s dynamic regulatory environment. Brownstein attorneys and policy professionals deploy strategic relationships to assist businesses that need a state-level strategy to address national issues. Together, they help find partnerships for clients to build coalitions and leverage collective strengths and resources, complementing the firm’s federal level advocacy and providing strategic insights on government relations engagement at every level throughout the lifecycle of an issue.
“Doug’s firsthand policy experience at the state, local and federal level makes him a great choice to lead our practice group focused on businesses engaging in state politics especially as governors and state attorneys general continue to increase their influence at the national level,” said Rich Benenson, Brownstein’s managing partner. “His ability to draw on his experience as chief of staff to Gov. Hickenlooper and Denver city attorney benefits clients as we work with them to solve complex government relations issues with practical business solutions.”
With a deep background in the public and private sectors, Friednash represents local, regional and national clients in a wide range of industries with issues related to advocacy, public policy and government relations. Prior to joining the firm, Friednash served as chief of staff to former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper during which he oversaw the management of state agencies, advised the governor and cabinet members on key issues, provided crisis management leadership, helped fill critical positions within the cabinet and senior staff and was responsible for implementing Gov. Hickenlooper’s statewide policy and legislative initiatives. He also served as city attorney under Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, where he played a key role in every high-profile issue facing the city and managed one of the largest public law firms in Colorado, with over 100 attorneys and responsibility for the entire range of municipal representation.
Friednash will collaborate with the firm’s Government Relations Department Chair Marc Lampkin to coordinate state and local efforts with the firm’s nationally recognized federal government relations practice.