Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck

After years on hold, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (“USFWS”) is moving forward with a proposed rule to list monarch butterflies as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (“ESA”). On Dec. 12, 2024, USFWS published notice of its proposed rule, including a critical habitat designation and protections under ESA Section 4(d). If finalized in its current form, this proposal would grant monarchs protection from “take” and trigger consultation requirements for federal agency permitting.

We are proud to recognize 90 Brownstein employees who dedicated 50+ hours of pro bono legal support in 2024. Their pro bono work positively impacts the lives of individuals and organizations who could not otherwise afford superior, quality legal representation. From hosting monthly low-income legal clinics and advocating for abused and neglected children to representing victims of domestic violence or human trafficking, we take on pro bono projects that align with our employees' passions. Thanks to all who continue to demonstrate our dedication to giving back.

The governor’s 2025-26 budget proposal breaks the cycle of deficits past with a cautiously optimistic projection of a $322.2 million surplus. The source of this modest surplus, which comes as a great surprise to many still reeling from the $37.9 billion shortfall initially projected this time last year, is allegedly in part due to a successful implementation of the governor’s two-year budget framework approach.

As Maryland’s 477th legislative session quickly approaches, and with a $2.9 billion budget shortfall looming, lawmakers will have to make tough decisions to address the state’s largest budget shortfall since the Great Recession.

A recent Tenth Circuit ruling in an appeal successfully defended by Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck affirmed a lower court judgment arising from a termination for convenience. This decision serves as support to contractors seeking compensation for such terminations.

Congratulations to the 36 Brownstein attorneys who were selected by 5280 for its list of Denver’s Top Lawyers 2025. 5280 publishes its annual list with selections based on votes from fellow attorneys in the seven-county Denver metro area across 50 legal specialties. See who made the list: https://lnkd.in/gfQY6F4T.

We're excited that Abby Kirkbride is rejoining the firm as a shareholder in our Real Estate Department. She will be based in the Denver office. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gy6xPepE.

President-elect Donald Trump and his key advisors have embraced the “Return to Peace through Strength,” sometimes known as “America First,” concept when describing their foreign policy and national security goals in the next administration. This ideology supports the concept that the United States is best positioned to lead the world by placing the safety, prosperity and overall well-being of the American people first, a goal that has been described by some as isolationist. However, Donald Trump and his first administration believed it did not act in an isolationist manner, rather it prioritized transactional relationships and leveraging U.S. capital to pursue the “peace through strength” position.

We're proud to receive a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2025 Corporate Equality Index, the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gbhyWhsU.

The 2025 legislative session begins today. With a $1 billion budget shortfall looming, Colorado lawmakers are already facing tough decisions on how to tackle issues affecting residents and businesses alike. In addition, following the November election, Colorado lawmakers will arrive at the state capitol to a newly elected class of legislators, caucus leadership and new committee assignments.