Hank Brown

Former University of Colorado President Hank Brown is joining a Denver law firm as senior counsel, focusing on industry areas such as banking, water, natural resources and public affairs.

Brown will begin work June 1 with Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, the firm announced today.

Brown said that joining the firm represents his career has come "full circle." He said he was friends with Norm Brownstein and Steve Farber while they were all students at CU four decades ago.

“While our paths have crossed throughout the years, we have had limited opportunities to work together," Brown said in a news release. "I look forward to being a part of the firm that they have built and cultivated into one of the West’s most influential and respected law firms.“

Brown, who was the 21st president of CU, stepped down this spring. He was replaced by Bruce Benson.

Brown, a former U.S. senator, earned a Juris Doctorate from CU.

In addition to his work at Brownstein, Brown will continue his involvement at CU as the Quigg and Virginia S. Newton Endowed Chair, which will include coordinating the leadership programs and teaching in the political science department.