GenXYZ: Jeremy Atencio, 39

Attorney/partner, BakerHostetler

Nora Caley //October 28, 2013//

GenXYZ: Jeremy Atencio, 39

Attorney/partner, BakerHostetler

Nora Caley //October 28, 2013//

By day, Atencio represents corporations; by night, he advocates for the underdogs.

How did you go into law?

I worked in Gov. Roy Romer’s office and then I went to work for US West, which is now CenturyLink. My job was to lobby before the Federal Communications Commission and different state regulatory commissions. I worked with a team of businesspeople and lawyers to craft our positions. I enjoyed working with lawyers, and a lot of the work was similar to what lawyers do, so I said, why not go for it. For 3 1/2 years, I attended the University of Denver Sturm College of Law at night and worked at Qwest during the day.

What kind of law do you practice?

I advise business clients when they want to buy or sell their company or restructure it, and on compliance obligations. The general nexus is helping companies solve their business needs.

What volunteer work do you do?

I serve on the board for the Community College of Aurora Foundation. We try to raise money for scholarships. I grew up in rural Colorado, in Alamosa, and I benefited from people encouraging me to keep advancing.

The other board is ONE Colorado, which works for equal rights for LGBT people. I’m drawn to these boards because they are the silent heroes for people.