Carrie Johnson, co-chair of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck’s Litigation Department, received the firm’s 2024 Mark F. Leonard Award. Introduced in 2016, the award annually honors one employee who embodies the firm’s core values—All In, Excellence, Respect and Giving Back—and inspires others to do the same.
Based in the firm’s Denver office, Carrie focuses on litigation related to complex contract, corporate governance, fiduciary duty, fraud and securities issues. She also has a robust appellate practice, often appearing before state and federal appellate courts. In addition to co-chairing the Litigation Department, Carrie previously co-chaired the firm’s Women’s Leadership Initiative and Summer Associate Committee.
Recognized for her leadership, unwavering advocacy, compassion, litigation expertise, determination and welcoming demeanor, Carrie was honored with the Mark F. Leonard Award on Dec. 11 at a firmwide town hall. Retired Shareholder Mark F. Leonard, who was honored with the inaugural award and serves as its namesake, and Rich Benenson, managing partner, presented Carrie with the award.
“One of the threads that unites Carrie’s career at the firm is a deep commitment to relationships and culture,” said Shareholder Jonathan Pray in a video highlighting Carrie’s achievements. “She knows that what holds us together is our culture and our connections with other people at the firm. I know that’s particularly true of the women coming up through the ranks in the Litigation Department and at the firm who look up to Carrie.”
“She has tremendous compassion and she fights so hard for people, and they trust her as result of that,” said Shareholder Adam Agron.
“Carrie is all in because she exemplifies firm service,” said Shareholder Tenley Oldak. “She has been involved in or led just about every initiative and group that really has an impact on this firm. She is incredibly involved with every aspect of ways to make this firm a better place, and she brings to those roles a thoughtful leadership and desire to really help and elevate her colleagues.”
Watch the video below to learn more about how Carrie exemplifies Brownstein’s core values and why she is so deserving of this year’s award.
Congratulations, Carrie!