Spencer Fane Executive and Leadership Team

Theresa Hutton, the Chief Executive Officer, President & Director at Spencer Fane, directs the overarching strategic vision and firm-wide governance. Overseeing the integration of legal practice groups, the Chief Executive Officer, President & Director ensures alignment with the core mission of prioritizing client interests. This leadership role involves managing board relations and driving long-term growth initiatives across North American markets. By fostering a culture of excellence, Theresa Hutton directly impacts the operational success and market reputation of the firm. The Chief Executive Officer, President & Director maintains rigorous standards for legal service delivery, ensuring that all departments operate with maximum efficiency. Through consistent oversight of firm-wide performance metrics, the Chief Executive Officer, President & Director secures the competitive positioning of the organization within the legal industry, ultimately guiding the firm toward sustainable expansion and continued excellence in client advocacy.

Allen Vart, the Chief Financial Officer at Spencer Fane, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies of the firm. Overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, and long-term investment planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the firm maintains a robust economic foundation. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to support sustainable growth and resource optimization. By implementing sophisticated financial controls, Allen Vart directly impacts the stability and profitability of the organization. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align fiscal policies with the overarching mission of providing high-quality legal services. Through the management of financial risk and the pursuit of operational efficiency, the Chief Financial Officer secures the resources necessary for firm-wide success. Vart drives fiscal discipline, ensuring that all financial activities support the long-term strategic goals and client-centric values of the firm.

Jim Lepore, the Chief Operating Officer at Spencer Fane, directs the daily business operations and infrastructure requirements of the firm. Overseeing internal processes, technology integration, and resource management, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that legal teams possess the tools necessary for effective client representation. This leadership role involves scaling operational capacity to meet the demands of a growing client base. By optimizing workflows and enhancing service delivery models, Jim Lepore directly impacts the operational efficiency of the firm. The Chief Operating Officer works closely with the executive team to implement strategies that support the firm-wide mission of prioritizing client interests. Through the management of administrative functions and the oversight of operational performance, the Chief Operating Officer maintains high standards of service quality. Lepore drives continuous improvement, ensuring that the firm remains agile and responsive to the evolving needs of the legal market.

Robert Axelrad, the President at Spencer Fane, leads specific practice initiatives and supports the execution of the firm's strategic objectives. Overseeing key client relationships and professional development programs, the President ensures that the firm maintains its commitment to high-quality legal advocacy. This leadership role involves mentoring legal talent and fostering a culture of collaboration across various practice groups. By driving excellence in service delivery, Robert Axelrad directly impacts the firm's standing in the legal community. The President works in tandem with the executive team to advance the firm-wide mission of prioritizing client interests. Through the management of high-stakes client engagements and the oversight of professional standards, the President contributes to the overall growth and stability of the organization. Axelrad maintains a focus on long-term success, ensuring that the firm continues to provide exceptional value to clients through dedicated and expert legal representation.

Samuel Diederich, the Chief of Staff at Spencer Fane, coordinates executive workflows and facilitates communication between leadership tiers. Managing complex internal projects, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic priorities receive necessary resources and attention. This role involves streamlining decision-making processes and supporting the executive team in executing firm-wide initiatives. By optimizing organizational communication, Samuel Diederich directly impacts the agility and responsiveness of the firm. The Chief of Staff monitors progress on key objectives, providing critical analysis to the leadership team to ensure alignment with the broader mission of client-focused legal service. Through the management of cross-functional collaboration, the Chief of Staff enhances operational cohesion across all regional offices. Diederich maintains a focus on efficiency, ensuring that the executive office functions as a catalyst for firm-wide success and professional development within the legal sector.

Burton Taylor, the Chief Marketing Officer at Spencer Fane, architects the brand strategy and market positioning of the firm. Overseeing business development initiatives, digital presence, and client outreach, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the firm effectively communicates its value proposition to potential clients. This leadership role involves analyzing market dynamics to identify growth opportunities and enhance the firm's reputation. By executing targeted marketing campaigns, Burton Taylor directly impacts the acquisition and retention of clients. The Chief Marketing Officer collaborates with practice group leaders to align promotional efforts with the firm-wide mission of client-focused legal service. Through the management of brand identity and the development of strategic partnerships, the Chief Marketing Officer strengthens the firm's market presence. Taylor drives engagement, ensuring that the firm remains a preferred choice for clients seeking high-quality legal counsel and professional excellence.

Scott Breeding, the Chief Financial & Administrative Officer at Spencer Fane, manages the intersection of fiscal management and administrative infrastructure. Overseeing the firm's accounting functions, facilities management, and operational support systems, the Chief Financial & Administrative Officer ensures that the organization operates with maximum efficiency. This leadership role involves balancing financial oversight with the practical needs of the firm's administrative departments. By streamlining internal processes and maintaining rigorous financial controls, Scott Breeding directly impacts the operational health of the firm. The Chief Financial & Administrative Officer collaborates with the executive team to ensure that administrative resources align with the firm-wide mission of prioritizing client interests. Through the management of overhead costs and the optimization of support services, the Chief Financial & Administrative Officer secures the firm's ability to deliver consistent legal excellence. Breeding drives administrative innovation, ensuring that the firm remains well-positioned for future growth.