All businesses in the legal industry want the same thing.

Spencer Baretz is a founding partner of Baretz+Brunelle and a trusted advisor to the world’s preeminent lawyers and law firm leaders. He has been called one of the legal industry’s most creative and visionary thinkers — his innovative ideas for clients have resulted in many of the most successful and novel marketing campaigns and growth initiatives in the legal industry. And as the visionary for B+B’s own growth, Spencer leads the firm’s corporate development activities — his continuous analysis of the legal marketplace has helped B+B evolve in its 20-year history from a singularly focused strategic communications firm to the comprehensive, muti faceted advisory firm it is today.

• A “PR Executive of the Year” – PR News Magazine.
• A “Legal Business Trailblazer” – The National Law Journal.
• One of the “100 Leading Legal Consultants and Strategists” – Lawdragon.
• Communications opinions cited by The New York Times and other leading media.
• Corporate lawyer, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, New York.
• Law clerk to Hon. I. Leo Glasser, one of New York’s most respected federal judges.
• Graduate, cum laude, of Boston University and Hofstra University School of Law.
• Published in the Hofstra Law Review.

A founding partner of Baretz+Brunelle, Cari Brunelle has earned a national reputation as the go-to advisor to law firm leadership for their executive communications needs. Managing partners and executive committees of premier law firms regularly rely on her judgment in managing crises and handling the communication of critical and sensitive business issues to internal and external audiences.

• “Crisis Manager of the Year” – PR News Magazine.
• One of the “Top Women in PR” – PR News Magazine.
• One of Lawdragon’s 2008 “Top Legal Consultants You Need to Know.”
• One of Lawdragon’s 2016 “100 Leading Legal Consultants and Strategists.”
• Sought-after national speaker on legal PR issues and crisis communications.
• Emmy-nominated PBS documentary producer.
• Spokesperson for a state agency and two universities and their teaching hospitals.
• Broadcast news reporter and producer on Fox affiliate.
• Graduate of the University of Virginia.

Mike is a transformational leader, tested executive and business advisor to boards, C-suite leadership teams, investors and innovators. As Chief Executive Officer of Baretz+Brunelle, Mike leads B+B’s focus on helping the world’s preeminent businesses in the new legal economy achieve growth. A former CEO of Dentons US and partner for over 20 years, Mike’s leadership empowered Dentons to transform from a mid-market, Midwestern firm into a global, multi-billion-dollar enterprise, where he influenced a generation of leaders and served on the Global Management Committee and Global Board. He brings to B+B’s award-winning work a record of business results emblematic of his unique ability to assist organizations meet large challenges — and understand large business opportunities — driven by changes in law, finance, and technology.

• Executive leader in over 50 mergers and combinations in the US and globally, alongside dozens of growth initiatives, large group acquisitions, new market and office openings, multi-office practice vertical acquisitions, and a creative ancillary transaction fueled by private equity investment.
• Advisor to C-suite leaders, private equity and family office investors, legal technology innovators, and risk management consultancies.
• Personally engaged in structuring and negotiating transactions exceeding $100 billion, and deeply involved in crisis management and response.
• Former economist and award-winning instructor.
• Meyler Campbell Mastered executive business coach.
• Trustee, Federal City Council.
• Board director, Children’s Law Center.
• Graduate of Harvard Law School, magna cum laude, and Duke University, summa cum laude.

Joe Borstein is an engine of innovation in the legal industry, accelerating the growth of many of the most promising legal technology companies and facilitating the adoption of technologies that make law firms and legal departments more effective.

Joe co-founded LexFusion, the premiere legal tech accelerator and advisor to innovation-minded law firms and corporate legal departments, and served as its chief executive officer before its 2025 acquisition by Baretz+Brunelle.

• Former global director at Pangea3 Legal Managed Services at Thomson Reuters.
• Former managing director at EY Law after its acquisition of Pangea3.
• Former director of innovation for Thomson Reuters.
• Former lawyer at Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP.
• Co-author of alt.Legal column on Above the Law.
• Founding member of the advisory board of the University of Pennsylvania Carey School of Law’s Institute for the Future of the Legal Profession.
• Graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania Carey School of Law, Certificate in Business and Public Policy from the Wharton School. 

Catherine is a trusted advisor to law firm leaders, with 20 years of both talent and practice management experience at three Am Law 100 firms. Throughout her career, Catherine has aligned the talent strategies of law firms with their client needs and business goals, driving growth as a result. She has a deep appreciation for the importance of the talent management function within law firms as well as the organization dynamics that must be navigated to maintain it successfully. 

• Served as the first chief talent officer at Arnold & Porter and Kaye Scholer.
• Part of the executive team that led the integration of Kaye Scholer and Arnold & Porter.
• Practice management experience at Dechert, Kaye Scholer, and Arnold & Porter.
• Certified leadership and executive coach focused on supporting change, transition, and growth.
• Graduate of The Wharton School’s HR Data Analytics program and certified by New York University in executive coaching.
• Graduate of Hollins University, with a degree in economics.

A leader at Baretz+Brunelle since its inception, Kelsey manages the client experience across all of B+B’s service lines. In her role as chief client service officer, she draws on her ability to deeply understand the needs of legal service providers—from Am Law 50 firms to elite litigation boutiques—and delivers growth strategies tailored to meet them.

• Launched multiple nationally recognized spinoffs from Am Law 200 firms.
• Former member of Goodwin Procter LLP’s marketing department.
• Previously named a “Rising PR Star Under 30” by PR News Magazine.
• Graduate of Boston University’s College of Communication, magna cum laude.
• Active supporter of Jumpstart and Hudson River Community Sailing.
• Two-time regatta champion.

A respected voice in the legal industry, Molly is a trusted advisor to clients in pursuit of their growth goals. Her business mindset, proactive approach, and knowledge of the challenges and opportunities impacting the legal industry make her a valuable and trusted partner.

• B+B’s first-ever homegrown partner. 
• Previously named PRWeek’s national “Young PR Professional of the Year.”
• Magna cum laude graduate of Boston University with degrees in communications and economics.

Casey Flaherty empowers law departments and law firms to identify and integrate innovative processes and technology to drive business at the scale and pace necessary to deliver maximum value. He brings nearly 20 years of deep legal market understanding, shaped by his work as a former in-house lawyer, outside counsel, and legal operations consultant. Casey co-founded LexFusion, the premiere legal tech accelerator and advisor to innovation-minded law firms and corporate legal departments, where he served as chief strategy officer before its 2025 acquisition by Baretz+Brunelle.

• Former director of legal project management at Baker McKenzie LLP.
• Helped establish the world’s largest project-management team inside the world’s largest law firm.
• Co-founder of Procertas, a developer of technology training tools.
• Former advisory board member, Nextlaw Labs.
• Author of Unless You Ask: A Guide for Law Departments to Get More From Their External Relationships (ACC).
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
• Graduate of Loyola Marymount University and the University of Southern California Gould School of Law.  

A former litigator and skilled storyteller, John has an unmatched ability to turn the work of lawyers into compelling content. With an intimate understanding of the legal market, he helps law firms develop content strategies that serve their growth goals. And with the support of the Content Lab that he manages, he delivers writings—from professional bios to research reports—that capture the attention of their audiences.   

• Former litigation associate at WilmerHale 
• Former law clerk on United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.
• Authored content appearing in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and many other outlets.
• Previously named “Blogger of the Year” by PR Bulldog Reporter.
• Author of acclaimed mystery novels for young adults: “The Morgue & Me” (Viking), an Edgar Award nominee, and “The Cipher” (Viking), an official selection of the Junior Library Guild.
• Graduate of Stanford University and the University of Michigan Law School, cum laude.
• Book review editor, Michigan Law Review.

Bringing more than 20 years of experience working with and for global law firms, consulting powerhouses, and financial services providers, Laura develops marketing and communications strategies that generate brand exposure, protect clients’ reputations, and help law firms grow.

• 15 years of in-house experience at Deloitte, Wolters Kluwer, and Discover Financial Services.
• Experience at two global PR agencies, with a focus on professional services communications.
• Specialization in media relations, crisis and reputation management, executive and internal communications, and social media engagement.
• Graduate of Brandeis University, cum laude.

Throughout his career Jason has served as a trusted advisor to some of the world’s leading law firms and other legal businesses in pursuit of growth. His counsel spans both external and internal communications strategy, helping clients strengthen reputations, navigate complex issues, and align messaging with business objectives.

• 20-plus years of agency PR experience.
• A regular speaker and writer on crisis communications issues.
• Helps lead B+B’s process improvement initiatives, leveraging technology to drive enhanced efficiency and outcomes in client service. 
• Graduate of The Ohio State University.

Howard is a valued growth advisor to leaders of law firms and corporations, who brings more than 20 years of experience strengthening professional services organizations. His clients rely on him for valuable insight, grounded in market data and human intelligence, to improve decision making in recruiting and strategic acquisitions.

• Co-founder and former CEO of Decipher, a global investigative intelligence company.
• Chief operating officer for Baker McKenzie LLP’s Washington, D.C. office.
• Senior executive at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP.
• Co-founder and CEO of a SaaS-based joint venture involving Deloitte LLP and Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP, headquartered in London.
• Managing director at Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP, based in London.
• Winner, 2024 Legalweek’s “Leaders in Tech Law” Innovation Award.
• Lawdragon’s 2025 list of “100 Global Leaders in Legal Strategy and Consulting.”
• Co-host of “The Future is Bright” legal podcast.
• Graduate of Rhode Island School of Design and Cambridge University’s Judge Business School.

Bea is an accomplished law firm executive, having held C-suite leadership positions at several global Am Law 100 firms, where she played integral roles in nearly every aspect of their management and business operations.

• Deputy executive director of Arnold & Porter LLP following its merger with Kaye Scholer LLP.
• Chief operating officer of Kaye Scholer.
• First-ever chief strategy officer of both Kaye Scholer and, earlier, Blank Rome LLP.
• Firmwide practice group director of Dechert LLP.
• Executive director of Davis & Gilbert LLP.
• Managing director of the New York Stock Exchange responsible for international company growth and retention.

Paul Stroka is an evangelist for innovation in the legal industry, helping law firms and legal departments find the mix of people, process, and technology that allows them to perform most effectively. Paul co-founded LexFusion, the premiere legal tech accelerator and advisor to innovation-minded law firms and corporate legal departments, where he served as chief client officer of LexFusion before its 2025 acquisition by Baretz+Brunelle.

• Former EY Law executive responsible for its legal process outsourcing business, Pangea3.  
• Former director of legal solutions at Pangea3 Legal Managed Services at Thomson Reuters.
• Former employment lawyer at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP and Jackson Lewis P.C.
• Graduate of Georgetown University and the University of Virginia Law School. 

A CPA and finance executive with more than 25 years’ experience in professional services, corporate communications, and advertising, Anthony has held executive positions at several publicly owned agencies, playing instrumental roles creating operational efficiencies and increasing profitability.

• B+B partner and CFO responsible for daily operations and oversight of finance, human resources, information technology, and M&A functions.
• Worldwide controller at WPP’s global IT transformation unit, WPP Coretech.
• Executive vice president at Havas (several roles at Havas Health and other Havas business units).
• Collaborated with agency management and client marketing and procurement teams in negotiating and finalizing agency client contracts, including one for a global agency.
• Led the review and implementation of a new offshore digital production solution, as well as the review of several vendor contracts.
• New York State Certified Public Accountant and graduate of Pace University, with a B.B.A. in public accounting.

Josh has spent his career harnessing the power of digital marketing for top global brands. He directs Baretz+Brunelle’s digital services, developing smart digital marketing initiatives designed to grow businesses. 

• 15+ years in evolving digital communications, marketing, and technology.
• Former head and creator of the digital marketing function for international executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles (NASDAQ: HSII).
• Led innovative digital programs at Edelman Digital, Critical Mass, Golin (previously GolinHarris), and Zeno Group.
• Winner of the Social Shake-Up Movers & Shakers Award for Social Media Leader (2019).
• Frequent speaker and writer on digital engagement and martech topics.

As an advisor to Baretz+Brunelle, Sanjay counsels clients on business strategy, technology solutions, and operations. He is an internationally recognized expert in the legal technology and services industries and in building cross-border businesses between India and the U.S., UK, and Europe.

Miranda is a senior managing director within Baretz+Brunelle’s Talent Intelligence & Acquisitions group, a Legalweek Award-winning practice. An expert in the market for legal talent, she brings over 15 years of experience focusing on growth-driven partner acquisitions. Miranda collaborates with firm leadership to develop and implement strategic talent acquisitions involving individual partners, groups, and firm combinations, using in-depth market research and her extensive industry knowledge to guide clients through the complexities of growing through lateral talent.  

Jessica serves as a strategic advisor to several of the world’s top law firms, partnering with firm leaders to navigate high-stakes moments and long-term growth initiatives. With more than a decade of experience, Jessica crafts and executes tailored communications and business development campaigns that raise firms’ visibility, enhance their market positioning, and drive growth in the new legal economy.

• 10+ years of experience as an advisor to the legal industry.
• Named a “Rising Star” by PR News.
• Graduate of the University of Delaware, summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, with honors degrees in mass communication and English literature and minors in journalism and French.

With more than two decades’ experience in senior marketing positions in the legal technology and services sector, Rachel provides expert marketing counsel to companies seeking to grow. She specializes in understanding product strategy and market fit to develop and execute integrated marketing strategies that achieve measurable results.

• Skilled leader and coach, building and motivating high-performing, cross-functional teams.
• Former marketing lead for the legal tech division at OpenText.
• Possesses professional certifications from Forrester Portfolio Marketing and Pragmatic Marketing Foundations.
• Graduate of Brown University and the Harvard Kennedy School.

Leora works with leading law firms and legal tech companies to develop targeted, high-impact communications campaigns that drive growth.

• 10+ years of PR agency experience.
• Advisory team chairman, Epsilon Zeta, Loyola Marymount University chapter of Delta Gamma.
• Graduate of Boston University’s College of Arts & Sciences with a degree in political science.

A veteran advisor in the legal industry, Wayne designs growth-oriented strategic communications campaigns encompassing media relations, executive communications, and innovative marketing tactics that establish thought leaders and build reputations.

• Lead communicator at four Am Law 100 firms: Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP, Paul Hastings LLP, Heller Ehrman LLP, and Pillsbury Winthrop LLP.
• Vice president of corporate communications, American Arbitration Association.
• Grammy Awards voting member, The Recording Academy.
• Graduate of Ithaca College’s Roy H. Park School of Communications.

As a director at Baretz+Brunelle, Luke serves as a strategic advisor to top law firms, consultancies, and financial services companies, developing and executing communications strategies that position them for long-term growth. He helps clients stand apart in a rapidly evolving legal industry through growth strategy, brand differentiation, strategic communications, thought leadership, and crisis management.

• Developed and led communications strategy in a high-profile litigation matter that garnered international media attention.
• Former intern in the administration of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
• Graduate of DePaul University’s College of Communication.

Erin is a strategic HR and talent leader with a passion for building high-performing, people-centric workplaces. Her focus on optimizing the employee experience, organizational development, and strategic HR initiatives helps Baretz+Brunelle team members more effectively pursue the growth goals of elite businesses in the legal industry.

• Former global talent lead for CoinDesk and TradeBlock.
• Experienced in performance management and benefits design.
• Certified as a LinkedIn Recruiter, with experience managing global talent acquisition efforts for multiple organizations.
• Graduate of Eastern Florida State College.

Sumitro brings over 15 years of experience guiding legal technology solutions for Fortune 500 companies and law firms to drive innovation and efficiency. Sumitro continues to oversee global operations for LexFusion, the premiere legal tech accelerator and advisor to innovation-minded law firms and corporate legal departments, acquired by Baretz+Brunelle in 2025.

• Former client specialist and trainer for Asia and emerging markets at Thomson Reuters Legal Managed Services.
• Former senior manager, litigation solutions at Pangea3 Legal Managed Services under ownership by Thomson Reuters Legal Managed Services.
• Advisory board member at Sarvahitey, a non-profit establishing libraries across India.
• Graduate of Amity University.  

Edgar is a seasoned accounting professional whose wide-ranging financial background plays an important role in helping Baretz+Brunelle run smoothly, improve its internal systems, and deliver on its mission to help clients grow.

• Improved B+B’s billing process and simplified credit card workflows.
• Helped manage the integration of LexFusion after its acquisition by B+B.
• Has experience across legal, healthcare, manufacturing, and the arts.

Lilly is a skilled graphic designer with more than 10 years of design experience, the majority of which she has spent serving clients in the legal industry. She applies a firm grasp of design principles and proficiency in Adobe and Microsoft programs to projects such as branding, website design, creating print and digital collateral, and much more.

• Former graphic design coordinator for Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz.
• Graduate of Mississippi State University with a degree in graphic design and a minor in Spanish.

McKenna is a senior associate at Baretz+Brunelle who drives growth through strategic communications for the country’s top law firms and legal services providers. She frequently advises on high-stakes communications, helping clients navigate media engagement, elevate thought leadership, and pursue targeted visibility opportunities.

• Led the announcement of transformative acquisitions and talent additions for B+B and its clients.
• Former consultant to companies in emerging tech sectors, including AI, robotics, and climate innovation.
• Graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, with a degree in advertising and a minor in business foundations.

Courtney advises legal businesses—from specialized boutique law firms to global Big Law leaders—on strategic communication and growth initiatives that drive business success. Leveraging years of experience in strategic planning, communications, and market research, she helps organizations achieve impactful results in the competitive and evolving legal landscape.

• Advised on managing partner transitions, ensuring smooth leadership changes aligned with firm goals.
• Executed strategic campaigns to support new office openings and market expansions.
• Counseled law firm leaders on enhancing the visibility of firm practice groups and partners.
• Conducted in-depth market research to inform strategic decision-making for law firm leaders. 
• Former marketing intern for leading legal industry conference organizer and law firm.
• Graduate of Boston College. 

Chanel is a senior finance & operations associate in Baretz+Brunelle’s New York office.

• Former intern in B+B’s New York office.
• Assisted with university administration at City University of New York.
• Holds a B.S. degree from Brooklyn College and an M.S. in business administration from its Murray Koppelman School of Business, magna cum laude.

Nadav is a strategic advisor to law firms and legal service providers navigating a rapidly evolving industry. He brings a deep understanding of the legal marketplace—across firm sizes, practice areas, and business models—to help clients seize opportunities and solve complex challenges. Together with the Baretz+Brunelle team, Nadav helps firms position themselves for long-term success in a changing legal landscape shaped by innovation, technology, and talent shifts.

• Advisor to law firms on market positioning, growth strategies, partner transitions, and strategic communications. 
• Developed a first-of-its-kind industry report offering insights into market trends.
• Counseled private equity and other investors exploring opportunities in the legal sector.
• Guided law firm marketing teams on infrastructure, team structure, and technology stack decisions.
• Worked in communications and development at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
• Graduate of the University of Michigan.

Samantha helps leading law firms develop and execute communication initiatives that enhance their reputations and drive growth. With a deep understanding of the legal industry, she helps the Baretz+Brunelle team craft innovative strategies tailored to clients’ business goals.   

• Prepares strategic communication plans for law firms and individual attorneys. 
• Positions clients as authorities through thoughtful media relations, awards, and social media campaigns. 
• Active networker and business developer.
• Graduate of the University of Michigan.
• Recipient, Ross School of Business Sales and Business Development Certificate.

At Baretz+Brunelle, Jenna crafts and executes talent acquisition plans that fuel growth at leading global law firms. Her work draws in part on the skills in gathering human and open-source intelligence she initially developed at the Ridge College of Intelligence Studies and Applied Sciences. 

• Winner of a Legalweek Leaders in Tech Law Award for Innovation in Hiring, Staffing & Recruiting.
• Speaker at LMA Southwest regional conference on “Moneyball for Law? A Marketing Approach to Scouting.”
• Graduate of Ridge College of Intelligence Studies and Applied Sciences at Mercyhurst University, summa cum laude, with a major in business and competitive intelligence.

Aaron advises businesses in the new legal economy on communications and strategy issues. He uses a sharp understanding of the legal industry and media landscape to help clients communicate effectively, protect their reputations, and pursue growth opportunities. Aaron helps shape messaging, identify media opportunities, and manage reputational risk around key initiatives.

• Developed strategic communications plans for major lateral hires for Am Law 100 and 200 firms.
• Advised law firms on communications strategy around lateral partner hiring, firm acquisitions, and crisis matters.
• Secured placements in outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Reuters, and CNN.
• Graduate of Colgate University, magna cum laude.

Matthew brings experience in organizational strategy, change management, and data analysis to his role in the talent practice at Baretz+Brunelle, where he helps Am Law 100 firms align their talent strategies with long-term growth objectives.

• Former intern at a sports investment group, working with international sports teams on marketing and revenue growth opportunities.
• Graduate of Northwestern University with a degree in learning and organizational change and minors in psychology and business institutions.

As an associate at Baretz+Brunelle, Emma uses her background building brand visibility in the legal sector to support the communications and growth initiatives of top law and financial services firms.

• Former marketing and business development assistant at Westfleet Advisors, a leading litigation finance advisory firm.
• Former marketing intern with Good2BSocial.

Daniel Gilfarb is an advisor to Baretz+Brunelle’s Talent Intelligence & Acquisitions practice. He has over a decade of experience working with leaders of AmLaw 100 law firms identifying the right lateral partners who meet priority talent needs, bringing law firm leaders and target candidates together for discussion, and assisting with transition. Daniel is a graduate of the University of Miami School of Law and earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida.

Adam Herz is an advisor to Baretz+Brunelle’s Talent Intelligence & Acquisitions practice. Throughout his thirty-year career in human capital, he has focused on working with the largest and most sophisticated global asset managers to identify and hire the world’s pinnacle investors to lead multi-billion dollar portfolios across an array of strategies. Adam’s work with B+B focuses on translating this deep experience from working with the top talent in finance to the top talent in law. He is a graduate of Boston University, and served as a trustee of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and currently is the chairman of the Reut USA board.

Amy Mallow is an accomplished talent management professional with deep knowledge of the legal industry. A former Big Law and government attorney, Amy brings more than 30 years of experience in human capital management, coaching, and consulting for attorneys and business professionals, and served as an assistant dean of career services at a top-tier law school. She has overseen partner and group hiring for a global law firm’s West Coast offices and has national experience in talent acquisition and integration strategy. Her expertise includes talent acquisition, career development, and performance enhancement.

Emily Mosier is an advisor to Baretz+Brunelle’s Talent Intelligence & Acquisitions practice. Emily is a seasoned talent leader with a track record in finance, private equity, family offices and wealth management related areas. Emily has more than a decade of experience designing and implementing tailored talent-based strategies to prospects who can deliver high quality service and successful outcomes. Her experience working for a financial services firm on a national scale allows her to understand the importance of onboarding, integration, talent development, and cultural fit. Emily is a graduate of Villanova University with a focus on interdisciplinary studies.