Stepping into the often highly-political position of Denver city attorney is part of what attracted Kristin Bronson to the position.

Calling her “a brilliant and innovative lawyer,” Mayor Michael B. Hancock appointed Bronson as Denver’s new city attorney Thursday.

Bronson will fill the position Scott Martinez vacated on May 31, after the city settled several multi-million dollar jail abuse cases and the office was criticized for placing a senior assistant attorney on paid leave for 19 months.

“I’m a lawyer first, but I certainly understand the political side,” Bronson told The Colorado Statesman. “It’s a very important job and I’m encouraged and excited about the challenge, I’m not deterred about the politics.”

Part of that optimistic approach comes from her family.

“I grew up with a mom who was a social worker and a teacher and our family was always very involved in civic matters,” Bronson said. “And I know people in the city attorney’s office who urged me to apply. A lot of them went out of their way after (Martinez’) resignation, and I see my job as helping them and the city of Denver succeed.”

Bronson was also a public servant for four years in Washington, D.C., before the last 20 years in private practice. Her previous public sector experience also includes serving as chair of the Colorado Real Estate Commission, after being appointment by former Gov. Bill Ritter.

Bronson earned her law degree from the University of Colorado Law School in 1997, is an active member of several bar associations and currently serves on the board of Denver Downtown, chairs the Downtown Denver Partnership‘s Economic Development Council, is president of the Colorado Women’s Bar Association Foundation and a member of the Faculty of Federal Advocates, Inc.

Bronson, who will turn 48 in October, will be sworn in as city attorney on Oct. 17 and make an annual salary of $196,650.

She will provide legal representation to all city officials, agencies, departments, boards and commissions, and oversee the office’s 200 attorneys, paralegals and administrative staff.

“Her expertise and legal acumen will allow her to lead one of the largest public law offices in the state,” Hancock said in a news release from his office. “This is a vital role within city government and I have no doubt she will provide us with the highest quality of counsel and representation.”

Experience shows value of collaboration, cooperation

Bronson is a partner at Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie in the Tabor Center. Her practice has focused on complex business litigation, including representation of individual and corporate plaintiffs and defendants in class and derivative actions, and representation of local and national businesses in contract, fraud and other business and real estate litigation.

Bronson has also represented lender, developer, and property management clients in real estate, construction and banking law, as well as advises brokerage companies concerning operational, regulatory and litigated matters.

“I worked with a lot of small and large businesses and individuals handle legal issues with growth, a recession, changing regulations,” Bronson explained. “I learned how collaboration and cooperation can help solve matters, and I’ll bring that experience” to the new position.

Bronson has also served in management at her firm as a member of its executive and strategic planning committees, chairing its real estate industry team and helping drive the firm’s diversity efforts as a hiring partner for five years.

“This is a great honor for Kristin and carries on our firm’s long tradition for public service,” said Jim Lyons, a partner at Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie, in the news release. “She is an outstanding attorney who will bring skill and passion to the city.”

Bronson resides in Denver with her husband and two daughters.