Venable Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Venable has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, operations, administration, and partner relations.

Dedicated to navigating complex legal challenges, Venable provides comprehensive legal services across multiple sectors, driving client success through deep expertise and strategic counsel.

Leadership Roles at Venable

  • Chief Executive Officer - Charles Venable
  • Chief Technology Officer - Malke Kramer
  • Vice President and Operations Chief of Staff - Laura Sandifer
  • Chief of Staff & Partner - Tara Potashnik
  • Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer - Michael Barnes
  • Charles Venable - Chief Executive Officer

    Charles Venable, the Chief Executive Officer at Venable, directs the firm's overall strategy and operational framework. Overseeing all practice groups, Charles Venable ensures the firm's deep expertise in corporate law, sophisticated litigation, intellectual property, entertainment law, and government affairs effectively serves clients ranging from Fortune companies to emerging enterprises. This leadership role involves guiding the firm's market positioning and fostering its reputation for handling complex legal challenges across diverse sectors like technology, healthcare, and financial services. Charles Venable drives the firm's commitment to providing strategic guidance on regulatory compliance and legislative advocacy, ensuring alignment with client objectives and market dynamics. The Chief Executive Officer's purview extends to maintaining the firm's ability to navigate intricate regulatory frameworks and deliver exceptional outcomes in high-stakes disputes and transactional matters.
    Charles Venable

    Malke Kramer - Chief Technology Officer

    Malke Kramer, the Chief Technology Officer at Venable, architects the firm's technological infrastructure and digital transformation initiatives. Overseeing the integration of advanced legal technology solutions, Malke Kramer ensures Venable's practices in corporate law, litigation, and intellectual property protection are supported by cutting-edge tools. This role involves driving innovation in data management, cybersecurity, and client-facing digital platforms, enhancing operational efficiency and service delivery across all sectors. The Chief Technology Officer's responsibilities include evaluating and implementing new technologies that support Venable's expertise in areas such as patent prosecution, trademark protection, and technology licensing. Malke Kramer ensures the firm's technological capabilities align with its strategic goals, enabling the delivery of sophisticated legal counsel to clients in technology, media, and manufacturing industries. Kramer's leadership strengthens Venable's capacity to navigate complex regulatory environments through robust technological support.

    Laura Sandifer - Vice President and Operations Chief of Staff

    Laura Sandifer, the Vice President and Operations Chief of Staff at Venable, optimizes the firm's operational efficiency and strategic execution. Overseeing key internal functions, Laura Sandifer ensures seamless coordination across departments, supporting Venable's extensive practice areas including corporate law, litigation, and government affairs. This position involves managing critical projects, enhancing inter-departmental communication, and driving process improvements that bolster the firm's capacity to serve a diverse client base, from Fortune companies to emerging enterprises. The Vice President and Operations Chief of Staff's focus includes streamlining operations to support Venable's expertise in areas such as regulatory compliance and legislative advocacy. Sandifer's role is pivotal in ensuring the firm's operational readiness to handle high-stakes disputes and complex transactions, reinforcing Venable's market position in sectors like healthcare and financial services. Laura Sandifer drives operational excellence that underpins the firm's comprehensive legal services.

    Tara Potashnik - Chief of Staff & Partner

    Tara Potashnik, the Chief of Staff & Partner at Venable, provides strategic support and operational oversight across the firm's key initiatives. Collaborating closely with leadership, Tara Potashnik enhances the effectiveness of Venable's practice groups, including its sophisticated litigation, intellectual property, and entertainment law services. This role involves driving strategic projects, facilitating communication between partners and management, and ensuring the firm's operational alignment with its core mission of addressing complex legal challenges. The Chief of Staff & Partner's responsibilities extend to supporting the firm's government affairs and corporate practices, ensuring strategic guidance on regulatory compliance and legislative advocacy is effectively implemented. Potashnik's leadership contributes to Venable's ability to serve a broad spectrum of clients, reinforcing its expertise in navigating intricate regulatory frameworks and delivering impactful legal counsel. Tara Potashnik drives strategic alignment and operational synergy throughout the firm.

    Michael Barnes - Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer

    Michael Barnes, the Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer at Venable, directs the firm's comprehensive administrative functions and resource management. Overseeing critical support services, Michael Barnes ensures the smooth operation of Venable's diverse practice areas, including corporate law, litigation, and intellectual property protection. This leadership position involves managing facilities, human resources, and other essential administrative operations that underpin the firm's ability to serve clients effectively across various industries. The Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer's responsibilities include optimizing internal processes to support Venable's expertise in areas such as entertainment law and government affairs. Barnes's oversight ensures that the firm's administrative infrastructure is robust and responsive, facilitating the delivery of strategic guidance on regulatory compliance and legislative advocacy. Michael Barnes drives administrative excellence that supports Venable's commitment to navigating complex legal challenges and fostering client success.

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Venable Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Venable?
    Venable is led by Charles Venable (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Malke Kramer (Chief Technology Officer) and Laura Sandifer (Vice President and Operations Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Venable’s executive team?
    The executive team of Venable includes leaders such as Charles Venable (Chief Executive Officer), Malke Kramer (Chief Technology Officer), Laura Sandifer (Vice President and Operations Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Venable have?
    Venable has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Venable’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Venable includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Vice President and Operations Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff & Partner, Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer.