Sherman & Howard is deeply saddened to announce that our colleague, mentor, and friend, John Low, passed away on March 27, 2019. Mr. Low was a pillar of our Firm and was known for his unwavering commitment to advocate for his clients and fellow team members.

Mr. Low began his career at Sherman & Howard in 1950 as an “office boy” while he finished working on his law degree at the University of Denver College of Law (now the University of Denver Sturm College of Law). Shortly before he graduated in 1951, the managing partner offered John a full-time position with the firm. He soon became a general practitioner and was willing and able to handle any type of legal problem. After a few years, Mr. Low began working in the newly formed litigation department where his first banking client in 1962 would eventually lead to the development of a full banking and finance practice.

During his career, Mr. Low represented clients in chartering state and national banks as well as trust companies. He contributed to the drafting of the rules of the National Automated Clearing House Association and served as counsel to the Denver Clearing House Association and the Association of Colorado Trust Companies. He also chaired the Executive Committee for a downtown Denver bank for more than 20 years. For decades, financial institutions turned to Mr. Low for his guidance and counsel regarding federal and state regulatory information.

Mr. Low was recognized by 5280 Magazine as a ‘Top Lawyer’, and was consistently recognized by The Best Lawyers in America, in the areas of Banking and Finance Law and Corporate Law. He also received the ‘Outstanding Law Alumnus Award’ from the University of Denver.

For the past 68 years of his practice with the Firm, Mr. Low showed passion for Sherman & Howard’s commitment to its clients, its people, and its community.

One of the qualities that stood out to Mr. Low when he first joined the firm was the active role the firm took within the community, a value that carried out throughout his career. He maintained an active presence within the Denver community including serving as the President of the Colorado Symphony Foundation, Chairman of the Denver Regional Advisory Board of the Institute of International Education, Director Emeritus at the Public Education and Business Coalition and a Board of Trustee for the University of Denver.

Above all, Mr. Low had an incredible impact on our firm and his colleagues in the Banking & Finance law industry. He served as a mentor to associates and partners, guiding them in the standards of client service the firm has been known for. Mr. Low continued to study the regulations and complexities of the law in order to guide his clients and provide practical business solutions. His passion for his practice maintained throughout his career with the firm and was visible in each matter that came across his desk.

Mr. Low is survived by his wife, Merry, his four children, six grandchildren, and step-grandchildren.