Brooke joined us at Hall & Evans in 1986, after leaving the Denver District Attorney’s Office. She remained a vital cornerstone of the firm until 2011. While at Hall & Evans she contributed on many levels, including work on appellate matters, and a remarkably wide breadth of legal issues. It seemed that no matter was too complex for her legal acumen, and she had a knack for distilling complex issues into simple terms. The trial lawyers of the firm learned from her how to mix strong advocacy with charm, how to maintain a professional approach in the heat of battle, how to approach the practice of law with great respect for its institutions and constituents, and how to treat all persons, regardless of stature or position, with respect and dignity. No one could hold the stage and tell a story better than Brooke. She was a sought after public speaker, and would engage her audiences with substance, humor, always concluding with an important and relevant lesson.
After withdrawing from the active practice of law, Brooke remained at Hall & Evans and continued her work as prolific author, expert witness, public speaker, and contributor to the firm. She took a special interest in guiding women attorneys on issues of professional life, personal balance and competing concepts of “success.” Professional ethics was among Brooke’s areas of expertise, and she was a tremendous resource to the firm in that regard. Brooke was an active participant of the firm’s conflicts committee, and always provided careful and useful guidance. The standing instruction in the firm on all questions of professional responsibility was “ask Brooke.” Monday mornings were often filled with her always perceptive analysis of the latest Broncos victory or defeat. Brooke took personal interest in every person in our organization from the most senior attorney to the recently hired hourly staff. We have missed her in the office since she decided to continue her work at home. Hall & Evans will always be grateful for our association with our colleague and friend.