Law Week Colorado included three Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck attorneys as winners in its 2021 Barrister’s Best issue. The following attorneys received recognition for their work:
- Greg Berger – Barrister’s Choice “Best Tax Lawyer”
- Melissa Kuipers Blake – Barrister’s Choice “Best Marijuana Law Lawyer”
- Doug Friednash – People’s Choice “Best Public Sector Lawyer”
Berger is the chair of Brownstein’s Corporate & Business Department and co-chair of its Tax Group. He helps clients navigate tax elements related to corporate transactions and tax policy. He regularly collaborates with his colleagues in the Government Relations Group to represent clients before Congress and Treasury on noteworthy tax policy and legislative issues. Over the years, Berger has played an instrumental role in significant legislative tax proposals such as the CARES Act, the creation of Opportunity Zones in the 2017 Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, the Small Business Job Acts of 2010, FIRPTA reform and distressed debt issues.
Kuipers Blake leads negotiations for her clients with policymakers in Washington, D.C., and in state capitols across the country. She is co-chair of Brownstein’s Cannabis & Industrial Hemp industry group and has played a dominant role in cannabis issues since it was first legalized in Colorado in 2012. Using her foundational knowledge of the industry and its players, she counsels clients on statutory, regulatory, compliance and workplace issues related to cannabis as well as foundational advice to state and local governments as they craft and implement cannabis policies for the first time.
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.
Barrister's Best also recognized Brownstein as People's Choice for "Best Lobbying Firm."
This year’s Barrister’s Best coverage includes a list of the top lawyers in the state, as selected by their peers and by Law Week Colorado’s “Barrister.”
The full list of results is available in Law Week Colorado’s Oct. 25 issue.