Department Chair
Douglas J. Friednash

Douglas J. Friednash

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Background

More than 30 years navigating myriad complex local and national legislative and public policy challenges. Former chief of staff to Colorado governor. Respected political thought leader.

Doug Friednash navigates clients through complicated legal, business and political issues as chair of the firm’s State & Local Legislation & Policy Group. He plays a vital role as a connector for his clients, bridging the gap between the private sector and all levels of government from Colorado to governor’s offices across the country and on to Washington. Doug’s notable experience in the public sector—former chief of staff to Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, city attorney under Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, member of the state House of Representatives and assistant attorney general—has made him a unique resource with unmatched insight for his clients. He is an influential asset with a combination of deep relationships and first-hand understanding of the nuances of local, state, federal and executive government.

Doug advises clients across diverse industries and issues, including energy, transportation and infrastructure, health care, higher education, financial services, emerging regulated industries, hospitality and recreation, cannabis and hemp, COVID-19 related issues, technology, communications and media and political engagement. 

He is a respected national, state and local media resource for his insight on legislative and political issues. He is also an opinion columnist for The Denver Post, covering political stories and trends.

A Denver native, Doug is committed to enhancing the well-being of Colorado. He is actively involved in many political, charitable and community causes.
 

Insights & Publications

News

Credentials

Education

  • J.D., 1987, University of San Diego School of Law
  • B.A., 1984, University of California at Santa Barbara

Admissions

  • Colorado

Memberships

Colorado Bar Association

Denver Bar Association

Quarterly Forum Vanguard Member

Community Involvement

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:

Board of Directors, Amp the Cause

Board of Directors, Denver Health Foundation

Board of Directors, Denver Health and Hospital Authority

Board of Directors, University of California Santa Barbara Alumni Association

Recognition

AWARDS:

Law Week Colorado, Barrister's Best "Best Public Sector Lawyer," 2021

5280 Top Lawyers, 2021-2024

Law Week Colorado, Barrister's Best "Best Government Law Lawyer," 2009-2010, 2019

Colorado Politics, Key Influencers at the Colorado Capitol, 2019

Outstanding Corporate Commitment Award - Denver City Attorney’s Office, Colorado Hispanic Bar Association

Power Book Award in the Category of Law, 2011, Denver Business Journal

Chamber Champion, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, 2011

Chambers USA, America’s Leading Business Lawyers, 2010 & 2011

Finalist, Denver Business Journal Power Book Awards, 2009 & 2010

Lawyer of the Year, Law Week Colorado, 2009

Diversity and Inclusion Award, National Hispanic Bar Association, 2013

Pay It Forward Award, University of Colorado Law School, 2014 

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