The savviest law firm leaders fully appreciate they are in the talent business. And as the war for talent intensifies, with lateral moves rising by double digits year-over-year, law firms simultaneously face a tidal wave of internal talent dynamics fundamental to their growth and success. To address these evolving needs, Baretz+Brunelle, a growth advisory firm to elite businesses in the new legal economy, announced today that Catherine Dapra, a chief talent officer and practice management leader across three Am Law 100 firms, has joined as a partner. As one of the most experienced talent executives in the legal market, Dapra will expand her work advising law firm C-suite leaders on a wide range of human capital management issues, including critical lateral integration and retention issues.

“Catherine’s decision to join as our partner is a strong endorsement of our preeminent position advising sophisticated legal industry leaders seeking growth,” said Mike McNamara, CEO of B+B. “Talent is the foundation of everything law firms are able to achieve. Few individuals have Catherine’s breadth of experience transforming firms and driving profitable revenue as both a chief talent officer and practice management head, let alone her energy, wisdom, and dynamic leadership.”

Dapra served as the first chief talent officer at Arnold & Porter, leading a team of 50 with responsibilities spanning recruiting, professional development, practice planning, career counseling, and DEI. She also defined the role of chief talent and practice management officer at Kaye Scholer before its combination with Arnold & Porter, a merger that she played a vital role in executing. Most recently, she served as a consultant to Am Law 100 and 200 firms at Calibrate.

“Baretz+Brunelle is known for its effectiveness in anticipating core needs in the business of law, and managing human capital is quickly becoming the primary area of concern and attention,” said Dapra. “I’m excited to continue broadening my counseling and the advisory services that B+B’s world-class team is providing across the legal industry.”

While at Arnold & Porter and Kaye Scholer, Dapra was the extremely rare CTO to also oversee the practice management function of her firm. She previously served in a practice management role at Dechert. As a graduate of the Wharton School’s HR Data Analytics program, Dapra understands how to use data to inform decision-making in practice management and human capital management. And as a certified executive coach, she facilitates the growth of individual professionals as well as entire practice groups and global law firms.

B+B first launched its practice devoted to advising law firms on talent-related issues in 2022, with the addition of partner Howard Rosenberg. Rosenberg has spearheaded B+B’s groundbreaking work improving the way law firms acquire lateral talent assets. Earlier this spring, B+B announced the addition of McNamara, the former CEO of Dentons US, to lead as its first Chief Executive Officer the continued evolution of B+B, expanding its unparalleled collaboration with firms, companies, innovators, and investors in the legal industry to achieve their growth goals.