Venable Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to complex legal challenges, Venable provides comprehensive legal services across corporate law, litigation, intellectual property, entertainment law, and government affairs, serving a diverse client base from Fortune companies to emerging enterprises.

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 overarching strategy and operational framework. Overseeing all practice groups, Venable ensures the firm's deep expertise in corporate law, sophisticated litigation, intellectual property, entertainment law, and government affairs effectively addresses complex legal challenges for clients ranging from Fortune companies to emerging enterprises. This leadership role involves guiding the firm's market positioning and client engagement strategies across diverse sectors including technology, healthcare, financial services, media, and manufacturing. Charles Venable drives the firm's commitment to navigating intricate regulatory environments and delivering strategic guidance on regulatory compliance and legislative advocacy. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on fostering a culture of legal excellence and client-centric service, ensuring Venable maintains its reputation for handling high-stakes disputes and providing counsel on intricate regulatory frameworks.
    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 all IT operations, Kramer ensures the secure and efficient deployment of advanced legal technology solutions that support Venable's complex legal challenges across corporate law, litigation, intellectual property, entertainment law, and government affairs. This role involves evaluating and implementing innovative tools to enhance client service delivery, streamline internal workflows, and protect sensitive client data in line with the firm's sophisticated practice areas. Malke Kramer drives the integration of technology to support Venable's diverse client base, from Fortune companies to emerging enterprises, particularly within sectors like technology and financial services. The Chief Technology Officer's strategic vision ensures Venable remains at the forefront of legal tech, enabling the firm to effectively navigate regulatory environments and manage high-stakes disputes with cutting-edge digital capabilities.

    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 operational initiatives, Sandifer ensures seamless coordination across Venable's practice groups, including corporate law, litigation, intellectual property, entertainment law, and government affairs, supporting the firm's complex legal challenges. This position involves managing cross-functional projects, enhancing internal communication, and driving process improvements to support Venable's diverse client base, from Fortune companies to emerging enterprises. Laura Sandifer focuses on aligning operational strategies with the firm's broader business objectives, ensuring resources are effectively allocated to support client needs and regulatory navigation. The Vice President and Operations Chief of Staff's role is critical in translating strategic directives into actionable operational plans, thereby reinforcing Venable's capacity to handle high-stakes disputes and provide expert counsel across intricate regulatory frameworks.

    Tara Potashnik - Chief of Staff & Partner

    Tara Potashnik, the Chief of Staff & Partner at Venable, enhances strategic alignment and drives key initiatives across the firm's extensive legal services. Overseeing critical projects and partner collaborations, Potashnik ensures the cohesive delivery of Venable's expertise in corporate law, sophisticated litigation, intellectual property, entertainment law, and government affairs, addressing complex legal challenges for a broad spectrum of clients. This role involves facilitating communication between leadership and practice groups, supporting strategic planning, and implementing firm-wide objectives to serve clients ranging from Fortune companies to emerging enterprises. Tara Potashnik's focus is on optimizing firm operations and fostering strategic partnerships that reinforce Venable's ability to navigate intricate regulatory environments and manage high-stakes disputes. The Chief of Staff & Partner's leadership ensures effective execution of the firm's mission to provide strategic guidance and legislative advocacy.

    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 departments critical to daily operations, Barnes ensures the efficient support of Venable's complex legal practice areas, including corporate law, litigation, intellectual property, entertainment law, and government affairs. This leadership position involves managing facilities, human resources, and other essential administrative services that underpin the firm's ability to serve clients ranging from Fortune companies to emerging enterprises. Michael Barnes focuses on optimizing internal processes and resource allocation to enhance overall firm productivity and client satisfaction. The Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer's strategic oversight is vital for maintaining Venable's operational integrity, enabling the firm to effectively navigate regulatory environments and handle high-stakes disputes with robust administrative backing.

    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.