Our Team

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 communications 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.
• Founding advisory council member, LFAA.
• Board director, Children’s Law Center.
• Graduate of Harvard Law School, magna cum laude, and Duke University, summa cum laude. 

A true counselor to her clients, Kelsey designs thoughtful communications strategies for professional services firms ranging from Am Law 50 law firms to boutiques. She has been instrumental in launching and propelling the growth of several now prominent law firms.

• Previously named a “Rising PR Star Under 30” by PR News Magazine.
• Former member of Goodwin Procter LLP’s marketing department.
• Graduate of Boston University’s College of Communication, magna cum laude.
• Board Member, Jumpstart; Supporter of Hudson River Community Sailing; Two-Time Regatta Champion.

A former litigator and skilled storyteller, John has an unmatched ability to turn the work of lawyers into compelling, readable content. His writings for clients have appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and many other national and trade publications.

• Former litigation associate at WilmerHale and law clerk on United States Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit Court.
• 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.

Throughout his career Jason has consistently earned a place at the table as a trusted advisor to many of the world’s most prominent legal, consulting, and financial services firms, developing strategic communications campaigns tailored to their specific business goals.

• 15 years of agency PR experience.
• A regular speaker and writer on crisis communications issues.
• Began in strategic communications with The Ohio State University Athletic Department, coordinating PR for a number of the school’s teams.
• Graduate of The Ohio State University.

Howard is a valued 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, DC 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.
• Graduate of Rhode Island School of Design and Cambridge University’s Judge Business School.
• Winner, Legalweek Innovation Award, 2017.

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, at 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.

A CPA and finance executive with more than 20 years’ experience in the advertising and corporate communications industry, Anthony has held executive positions at several publicly owned agencies, playing instrumental roles creating operational efficiencies and increasing profitability.

• 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, BBA in public accounting.

Josh has spent his career harnessing the power of digital marketing for top global brands. He oversees the firm’s digital services, developing thoughtful digital marketing initiatives designed to accelerate business for B+B clients. 

• 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).
• Widely published thought leader on digital marketing and marketing technology.
• Keynote speaker at marketing and martech conferences.

Poonam has more than 20 years of experience managing billing, administering technology, and supervising company operations in the PR industry.

Graduate of Bluefield State College.

As an advisor to Baretz+Brunelle’s NewLaw practice, Sanjay Kamlani advises clients on NewLaw business strategy, technology solutions, and operations. Sanjay 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.

A former state prosecutor, criminal and matrimonial lawyer, provider of litigation support services to leading law firms, and winner of “The Amazing Race,” Brooke uses her unique experiences to develop and execute communications strategies for leading law firms.

• Served as an assistant district attorney in Nassau County, New York.
• Practiced criminal and matrimonial law at her own law firm, Camhi & Min LLC.
• Managed day-to-day business litigation support needs for major domestic and international disputes.
• Winner of CBS’s “The Amazing Race” (Season 29).
• Accomplished singer who has sung the national anthem at Shea Stadium and performed at Carnegie Hall.
• Graduate of Syracuse University and St. John’s University School of Law.

A respected advisor to a number of Baretz+Brunelle’s sophisticated law firm clients, Molly develops communications campaigns that tie directly to her clients’ larger business strategies. Her proactive approach, attention to detail, and knowledge of issues of importance to her clients make her a valuable and trusted partner.

• Called a “dynamic powerhouse in the industry” by PRWeek.
• Previously named the 2014 “Young PR Professional of the Year” by PRWeek.
• Graduate of Boston University’s College of Communication, magna cum laude, with a minor in economics.

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

• 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 executive communications, media relations, reputation management, internal communications, and social media engagement.
• Graduate of Brandeis University, cum laude.

A former director of communications at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, Xenia (Sen-ya) brings more than 20 years of experience to her work providing strategic communications advice to leading law firms and legal technology companies.

• Managed communications at three additional firms: King & Spalding, Ropes & Gray, and Stroock & Stroock & Lavan.
• Co-president of the Law Firm Media Professionals association.
• Former reporter for The American Lawyer and the Daily Journal.
• Graduate of the University of the Philippines and Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

Miranda brings to the Talent Intelligence & Acquisitions practice 15 years of experience in facilitating lateral attorney transitions to Am Law 200 firms and boutiques nationwide. She advises law firms on partner and group acquisition strategies and pre-hire intelligence.

• Recruited partners and groups to major law firms and boutiques nationwide at Aspire Legal Search Group, Lateral Link, and other legal recruiting firms.
• Frequent writer and commentator on lateral moves and the legal market.
• Graduate of Wichita State University, magna cum laude, and St. Mary’s University School of Law.

Leora works with leading law firms and legal tech companies to develop targeted, high-impact public relations campaigns.

• Eight 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.

Michelle is an experienced marketer for global professional services providers, leading innovative strategies and campaigns that use all digital channels to increase brand recognition, visibility, and revenue growth.

• Former senior marketing manager at Morningstar.
• Launched a gender diversity campaign with the world’s largest asset owner, GPIF.
• CFA Investment Foundations certificate holder.
• Pragmatic Institute marketing certification.
• Graduate of Indiana University.

With more than 25 years of experience in the legal industry, Wayne designs strategic communications campaigns encompassing media relations, executive communications, and innovative marketing tactics that serve his clients’ goals.

• 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.

Jessica serves as a trusted advisor for some of the world’s top law firms and financial services providers, helping them to develop and execute strategic media relations and business development campaigns.

• A PR News “Rising Star.”
• Graduate of the University of Delaware, summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, with an honors degree in mass communication and English literature, and minors in journalism and French.
• Former intern in the firm’s New York office.

Edgar is a seasoned accounting pro who blends financial expertise with diverse experiences. From managing finances at Lincoln Center to medical recruiting, his adaptability and passion shines through. Edgar’s ability to combine accounting skills with personal interests makes him a valuable asset to Baretz+Brunelle. 

• Formerly Payroll AP Manager for New York City Opera.
• Experienced in the non-profit sector.
• Graduate of Monroe College.

Lilly is a skilled graphic designer with 10 years of design experience, more than five 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 including 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.

Luke enhances the communications strategies of top law firms and financial services through media relations support and research.

• Graduate of DePaul University’s College of Communication.
• Former intern in Rahm Emanuel’s administration.
• Competitive cyclist on the weekends.

Courtney combines her experience in the legal industry and training in communications to help top law firms and financial services providers accomplish their PR and marketing goals.

• Graduate of Boston College's Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences with a degree in communications.
• Former intern for a leading legal industry conference organizer and law firm.

Nadav brings experience in political communications and fundraising to his strategic communications work for top attorneys and law firms across a variety of practice areas.

• Worked in development and communications at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
• Graduate of the University of Michigan with a degree in history and a minor in political science.

Samantha brings experience coordinating media relations campaigns and conducting industry research to her work at Baretz+Brunelle, supporting strategic communication initiatives of leading law firms and financial services providers.

• Graduate of the University of Michigan with a degree in communication and media studies and an emphasis in marketing.
• Member of the American Advertising Federation at the University of Michigan.
• Former marketing intern for agencies in the music, beauty, and fashion industries.

Aliya is a graphic designer who is passionate about clever and effective branding. She uses a strategic approach to design thinking to set clients apart, emphasizing their unique stories and perspectives.

• Developed design materials for both agency and in-house teams.
• Graduate of the University of Idaho with a major in advertising and minors in graphic design, Spanish, and professional writing.

Rajeev brings experience from legal research and communications to help assist many firms around the country. 

• Graduate of The University of Chicago with a degree in law, letters, and society.
• Former head tour coordinator for The University of Chicago’s Department of Undergraduate Admissions.

McKenna combines experience in legal services and public relations to support the country’s top law firms and financial institutions in creating and executing strategic communication efforts. 

• Former account executive at Texas Tower Public Relations, UT Austin’s pro bono, student-run PR firm. 
• Former public relations intern for agencies in the lifestyle, technology, and climate innovation fields. 
• Graduate of The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in advertising and a minor in business foundations.

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

• Assisted with university office administration.
• Former intern in Baretz+Brunelle’s New York office.
• Graduate of Brooklyn College and received her MBA from its Murray Koppelman School of Business.

Aaron brings experience in communications and law to Baretz+Brunelle, where he uses research skills and global perspective to provide strategic communications support to top law and financial services firms.

• Former intern for U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Principal Legal Advisor.
• Graduate of Colgate University with a degree in peace and conflict studies and minors in education and film and media studies.

Julia is a digital marketing associate who helps support the advanced business development initiatives of Baretz+Brunelle’s clients through execution of digital campaigns within strategic technology platforms​.

• Former marketing associate at start-up Vivvi, a childcare provider.
• Former intern with several nonprofits, managing social media and other communications platforms.
• Graduate of Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business with a degree in business administration and concentrations in consulting and social innovation.

At Baretz+Brunelle, Jenna conducts human intelligence, market research, and open-source research to produce valuable insights to improve clients’ decision making.

• Global security intern at Pfizer.
• Tasked by the National Space and Intelligence Center to conduct open-source research on space-related issues and worked as a student assistant forecasting analyst for Johns Hopkins University.
• Graduate of Ridge College of Intelligence Studies and Applied Sciences at Mercyhurst University, summa cum laude, with a major in business and competitive intelligence and a minor in marketing.