Former U.S. senator and University of Colorado president Hank Brown is joining the Denver law firm of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck as senior counsel.

Brown will work in strategy and development for the firm in banking, water, natural resources and public affairs.

"Joining Brownstein represents my career coming full circle," Brown said. "Norm Brownstein, Steve Farber and I have been friends since our days at the University of Colorado more than 40 years ago.

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

Brown served from 2005 until this year as president of CU.

He spent six years as a Republican in the U.S. Senate and five consecutive terms in the U.S. House representing Colorado's 4th Congressional District during the 1980s and '90s.

Brown also was president of the University of Northern Colorado and president of the Daniels Fund.

"Brown possesses an unbeatable combination of vast experience and exceptional ability," said Brownstein, founding partner and chairman of the firm. "We are proud to add such a notable member of the Denver community to the firm."