Brownstein Gifts $500,000 to Support DU’s Sturm College of Law Community Economic Development Clinic

We are proud to announce a visionary and transformative commitment to support the Community Economic Development Clinic (CEDC) at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, advancing access to pro bono legal support for small businesses, nonprofits and community-based organizations across the Denver metro area and beyond. The $500,000 gift provides vital funding to support and expand the CEDC’s programmatic initiatives and to fund a companion scholarship available to students participating in the clinic who are dedicated to public service.

One of seven clinics comprising the law school’s nationally recognized Student Law Office—founded in 1904 as the first law clinic in the nation—the CEDC permits clinical students, working under the supervision of the clinic’s director Professor Joe McKay, to promote economic development and community-based revitalization. In doing so, students learn vital business-related skills, including forming business entities, contracting, navigating regulations and protecting clients’ intellectual property.

“Our history with DU runs deep, and what makes this gift so special is how it reflects Brownstein’s culture,” said Rich Benenson, Brownstein’s managing partner. “This gift honors enduring relationships, reinforces our commitment to supporting our communities and strengthens the pipeline of future attorneys. We are proud to make this gift in recognition of the strong partnership we’ve had with DU for more than 50 years.”

“As a proud Sturm College of Law alum and University of Denver trustee, I’m grateful that Brownstein is supporting this clinical program at the law school,” said Adam Agron, Brownstein shareholder, former managing partner and member of the University of Denver’s Board of Trustees. “DU’s clinical programs play an important role in developing the next generation of lawyers as well as supporting the community—both priorities that align closely with Brownstein’s values.”

Founded in 1968, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP is a law and policy firm at the heart of many of the most important cases, the most significant deals and the country’s most pivotal legislation with more than 350 attorneys and policy professionals in 14 offices across the United States. Including this most recent commitment, this is the third major investment the firm has made in support of the Sturm College of Law, including the Brownstein Hyatt Farber & Strickland Endowed Scholarship and the Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck Endowed Law Student Fellowship Fund.

“Throughout its proud history, Brownstein has made immeasurable contributions to the civic life of our city, the economic vitality of our state and the quality and impact of legal education at the Sturm College of Law,” observed Dean Bruce Smith. “Small businesses play a critical role in the economy of our city, state and nation and are admired more favorably by Americans than virtually any other institution. We are proud to partner with Brownstein to advance economic development and to train the next generation of public-spirited and ethical business and nonprofit lawyers.”

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