Brownstein Names New Litigation and Real Estate Department Co-Chairs

Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck is pleased to announce two leadership elevations. Effective Aug. 1, 2023, Carrie Johnson and Blair Lichtenfels will join Frank Flansburg and Nicole Ament, respectively, as co-chairs of the firm’s Litigation and Real Estate departments.  

“Carrie and Blair are respected for their legal expertise and leadership within the firm,” said Rich Benenson, Brownstein’s managing partner. “I look forward to collaborating with them as they take on these new leadership roles alongside Frank and Nicole.”

Johnson’s practice is focused on litigation related to complex contract, corporate governance, fiduciary duty, fraud and securities issues. She has extensive expertise in managing both internal and external crises for businesses and their owners, using her business acumen and proven instincts to create and execute multifaceted strategies. Johnson works creatively to resolve her clients’ most pressing problems by building relationships with clients and opposing counsel alike. She is co-chair of the firm’s Environmental Social Governance (ESG) practice and Women's Leadership Initiative (WLI). She is also a former co-chair of the Summer Associate Committee. As co-chairs of the Litigation Department, Johnson and Flansburg will work together on implementing the department’s strategic plan, including its culture, growth and associate training initiatives.

As a real estate attorney focused on achieving her client’s business objectives, Lichtenfels advises prominent developers and equity investors in connection with urban infill, brownfield, master-planned, mixed-use and transit-oriented developments. Her reputation for closing transactions and cementing relationships among stakeholders coupled with shrewd negotiating skills and a collaborative approach result in achieving her clients’ development goals in Colorado’s urban centers and rural counties. Lichtenfels currently serves on the firm’s Strategic Planning Committee as well as the WLI’s Steering Committee. Together, Lichtenfels and Ament will continue to build upon the Real Estate Department’s strong reputation and strategic plan.