Overview
As a member of the C-Suite, Vanessa collaborates across firm leadership to align Butzel’s client efforts, ensuring cohesive client experiences from initial engagement to matter conclusion and beyond. She interacts closely with the firm’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Board of Directors, fellow C-Suite members, attorneys, and practice leaders to help clients achieve their business objectives through thoughtful planning, value-based pricing, and proactive engagement strategies—all offered as a complimentary service to Butzel clients.
In leading the firm’s Client Enrichment Strategy, Vanessa spearheads initiatives that deepen relationships, strengthen loyalty, and generate new opportunities across practice areas. She directs key client teams, oversees structured feedback and engagement programs, and translates insights into actionable strategies that enhance service quality and client satisfaction. Her leadership enables the firm to anticipate client needs, deliver service innovations, and provide an experience that extends well beyond traditional legal representation.
Vanessa also oversees Client Experience Management, using tools such as journey mapping and client feedback analytics to refine onboarding, improve communication, and ensure every interaction reflects Butzel’s commitment to unreasonable hospitality—the firm’s standard for first-class, relationship-driven service.
Prior to her elevation to CXO, Vanessa served as Butzel’s Chief Marketing Officer. Her experience in legal marketing, client development, and business strategy spans more than 15 years and provides a unique perspective on her approach to enhancing client services. Possessing deep institutional knowledge about the firm and its clients, she is proud to have been instrumental in transforming the firm’s marketing and client-engagement infrastructure, and to overall align growth and service strategies with Butzel’s overarching mission: helping clients succeed. During her tenure with the firm, Vanessa has played an integral part in building and maintaining meaningful client relationships, many of which are partnerships traversing decades.
Vanessa is a member of the Private Enterprise Council and an active participant in the Lex Mundi Marketing & Business Development Network, where she shares and applies global best practices in client engagement and service innovation. Within Butzel, she serves on the firm’s Charitable Trust, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Political Action Committees (State & Federal), and AI Task Force.
A graduate of Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Political Science, Vanessa began her career in the Michigan Legislature before transitioning into the legal industry. She is passionate about community impact and serves on the Board of Directors for Avalon Healing Center, where she supports the organization’s marketing and fund development efforts.
Outside of work, Vanessa is a proud mom of two boys and enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends. She is deeply committed to fostering meaningful connections, whether in a personal or professional environment. For Vanessa, maintaining strong relationships within the firm and throughout the communities Butzel serves is sincerely important.
Credentials
Education
Western Michigan University, B.A., Communications/Political Science
Memberships
- Lex Mundi
- Private Enterprise Council