Venable Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Venable has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, operations, administrative management, and partner coordination.

Committed to excellence in complex legal challenges, Venable delivers sophisticated counsel across corporate, litigation, and intellectual property sectors to drive client success in highly regulated global markets.

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 overarching strategic vision and long-term growth trajectory of the firm. Overseeing the integration of corporate law, litigation, and government affairs, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment across all practice groups. This leadership role involves managing high-stakes client relationships and expanding the firm's footprint within the technology, healthcare, and financial services sectors. By fostering a culture of excellence, Charles Venable maintains the firm's reputation for navigating intricate regulatory frameworks. The Chief Executive Officer collaborates with the Board to optimize resource allocation and drive operational efficiency across North American markets. Through rigorous oversight of mergers and acquisitions, the Chief Executive Officer secures the firm's competitive position. Ultimately, Venable drives the firm's commitment to providing comprehensive legal solutions for Fortune companies and emerging enterprises alike, ensuring sustained excellence in every client engagement.
    Charles Venable

    Malke Kramer - Chief Technology Officer

    Malke Kramer, the Chief Technology Officer at Venable, architects the digital infrastructure necessary to support complex legal operations and intellectual property protection. Overseeing the implementation of secure data management systems, the Chief Technology Officer ensures the firm maintains robust cybersecurity protocols for sensitive client information. This leadership role involves integrating advanced technology solutions into the firm's litigation and patent prosecution workflows to enhance efficiency. By modernizing internal platforms, Malke Kramer directly impacts the firm's ability to handle sophisticated technology licensing and media production agreements. The Chief Technology Officer collaborates with administrative leadership to streamline digital communication across regional offices, facilitating seamless collaboration on multi-jurisdictional matters. Through the deployment of innovative software, Kramer supports the firm's mission to provide cutting-edge legal counsel. Ultimately, the Chief Technology Officer secures the firm's technological edge, enabling superior service delivery for clients navigating rapidly evolving digital landscapes.

    Laura Sandifer - Vice President and Operations Chief of Staff

    Laura Sandifer, the Vice President and Operations Chief of Staff at Venable, manages the daily operational execution and internal resource coordination across the firm's diverse practice areas. Overseeing the alignment of administrative functions with strategic business goals, the Vice President and Operations Chief of Staff ensures that litigation, corporate, and entertainment law teams possess the necessary support to meet client demands. This leadership role involves optimizing internal processes to improve service delivery for Fortune companies and emerging enterprises. By streamlining cross-departmental workflows, Laura Sandifer enhances the firm's capacity to handle complex regulatory enforcement and appellate matters. The Vice President and Operations Chief of Staff collaborates with executive leadership to implement firm-wide initiatives that drive efficiency and professional development. Through meticulous oversight of operational logistics, Sandifer supports the firm's commitment to excellence. Ultimately, the Vice President and Operations Chief of Staff ensures the firm maintains high standards of performance across all sectors.

    Tara Potashnik - Chief of Staff & Partner

    Tara Potashnik, the Chief of Staff & Partner at Venable, coordinates high-level strategic initiatives and facilitates communication between the partnership and executive leadership. Overseeing the integration of government affairs and regulatory compliance, the Chief of Staff & Partner ensures the firm provides cohesive advocacy for clients navigating intricate legislative environments. This leadership role involves managing key partner relationships and driving the firm's involvement in high-stakes commercial disputes. By aligning partner expertise with the firm's broader mission, Tara Potashnik strengthens the firm's market position in healthcare and environmental regulation. The Chief of Staff & Partner collaborates with the executive team to refine the firm's approach to complex legal challenges, ensuring consistent quality across all practice groups. Through active engagement in firm governance, Potashnik supports the firm's long-term growth and stability. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff & Partner secures the firm's reputation as a leader in sophisticated legal counsel and strategic advocacy.

    Michael Barnes - Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer

    Michael Barnes, the Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer at Venable, directs the firm's administrative infrastructure, including human resources, facilities management, and financial operations. Overseeing the firm's internal support systems, the Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer ensures that all practice groups, from entertainment law to corporate counsel, operate within a stable and efficient environment. This leadership role involves managing the firm's physical and fiscal resources to support growth across diverse industries. By optimizing administrative workflows, Michael Barnes enables the firm to maintain its focus on complex litigation and intellectual property protection. The Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to implement policies that foster professional excellence and regulatory compliance. Through the management of firm-wide administrative standards, Barnes supports the firm's ability to serve clients ranging from Fortune companies to emerging enterprises. Ultimately, the Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer ensures the firm's operational foundation remains robust and scalable.

    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.