This week’s 5Q features Angela J. Hygh, an associate at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck in Denver. Hygh focuses her practice on real estate and land use law, advising clients on zoning, entitlements, public finance, urban renewal and real estate transactions. Her experience includes development and redevelopment projects, affordable housing, land use litigation and tax increment financing agreements.
Before joining Brownstein, Hygh held teaching positions abroad and served as a summer associate at the firm. During law school, she was managing editor of the Denver Law Review and participated in the Tribal Wills Project. She earned her law degree from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law and her bachelor’s degree from Yale University. Hygh is admitted to practice in Colorado and served on the boards of Downtown Colorado Inc. and the Range of Motion Project.
Question 1: Why did you become a lawyer/attorney?
Hygh: I liked the concept of transactional law as soon as I became aware of it. I very much wanted to solve complex legal issues and find creative solutions for clients. When I discovered real estate and land use law specifically, I was hooked. These fields give me the opportunity to assist clients with the shaping of our communities in ways that provide housing, commercial opportunities, and public amenities. It’s a lot of fun to assist a client with an acquisition of a property, work through entitlement issues, and eventually have the opportunity to visit an exciting new or revitalized hotel or commercial center.
Question 2: What’s the best career advice that you’ve received?
Hygh: A mentor gave me excellent advice about building a collaborative career: “I am successful when the people around me are successful.” It’s important to build strong teams, and to give credit where credit is due because your teammate’s success is your success.
This advice has been critical to the field of law, which is based on collaboration among clients, consultants, attorneys, and many others who contribute to the success of a project. One rock star is exciting, but a whole team of rock stars is truly exceptional.
Question 3: What legal issue do you think will matter most in the next 10 years?
Hygh: The rise of artificial intelligence will change the field of law and many other fields. It will be key to determine how artificial intelligence can provide better and more efficient client outcomes, while also avoiding AI hallucinations and other pitfalls.
Question 4: What’s one case or moment that shaped your career?
Hygh: I helped a client obtain a land use approval at a contentious hearing, where there was a significant amount of opposition from members of the public who had a myriad of concerns. We responded to complicated questions with respect to mixes of uses, transportation, and density. It was gratifying to present our client’s project, demonstrate its benefit to the community, clarify complex issues, and secure a favorable vote.
Question 5: Early-bird or night-owl lawyer?
Hygh: Is it possible to identify as a “middle bird”? I do my best work in the heart of the day after I’ve had a cup of coffee and before the sun sets.
Law Week Colorado invites Colorado lawyers, paralegals, judges, law professors and other legal professionals to share their insights and experiences with the community with our weekly 5Q Questionnaire.