BCLP Appoints Karen Mitchell as Chief People Officer and Trevor Varnes as Chief Operating Officer, Supporting Firm’s Continued Growth Strategy

International law firm BCLP announced today the appointments of Karen Mitchell as Chief People Officer and Trevor Varnes as Chief Operating Officer, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to its continued growth strategy. 

 Based in New York, Karen will continue to elevate BCLP’s global people strategy, focusing on talent development, workplace culture, and fostering an inclusive, high-performing environment. In his new role, Trevor will oversee the firm’s operational functions, ensuring alignment between financial strategy and business operations while maintaining leadership of BCLP’s financial operations. 

 Karen brings extensive experience as both a global human resources leader and a former attorney, with a career spanning top-tier firms. She joins BCLP from Newmark Group, where she served as Chief Human Resources Officer, and previously held leadership roles at Credit Suisse, where she spent the first decade managing legal functions and the second decade managing global HR functions. A dedicated advocate for workplace inclusion and professional advancement, Karen is committed to building a culture where individuals can thrive. 

“I’m excited to join BCLP and build upon its strong foundation,” said Karen. “Creating an environment where people feel valued and empowered is essential to long-term success, and I look forward to working with colleagues globally to continue strengthening that culture.” 

Trevor joined BCLP as Chief Financial Officer in 2024, where he spearheaded the firm’s financial operations. His career has included leadership roles in business development, practice management, and firmwide operations. Based in Seattle, Trevor’s role comes as BCLP continues to expand in the Pacific Northwest, following its recent combination with Harrigan Leyh Farmer & Thomsen to strengthen the firm’s litigation capabilities in the region. 

“BCLP is at an important moment of growth,” said Trevor Varnes. “Bringing finance and operations together gives us a more complete view of the firm, ensuring our financial strategy supports broader business goals. It also strengthens collaboration across leadership and operational teams, improving decision-making efficiency and strategic alignment. I look forward to working with our leadership team to build on this progress and drive the firm forward.” 

 Building on that synergy, BCLP CEO Steve Baumer added, “Karen and Trevor bring valuable insight and a deep understanding of what drives a strong firm. Their experience will help us continue building on our strengths and advancing our priorities for the future.”