Buck Owen

Buck Owen

Chief Operating Officer

Buck Owen serves as chief operating officer of Barnes & Thornburg, where he works with firm leadership to drive strategic objectives and lead initiatives that support the firm’s continued national growth and operational efficiency. Based in Washington, D.C., Buck brings more than 20 years of experience in professional services operations spanning law firms, financial services, healthcare, and technology.

Owen previously served as chief operating officer of a top Am Law firm, overseeing all business and practice operations. He played a central role in the firm’s expansion, leading the integration of new practices and offices, streamlining operations across a domestic platform, and spearheading the incorporation of generative AI and other advanced technologies into talent development and client service delivery.

Prior to serving as COO, Owen held the role of chief practice officer at the firm, also reporting directly to the CEO. In that capacity, he partnered with practice and sector leaders on strategic planning, performance evaluations, and investment decisions, and collaborated with the CFO and finance team on budgeting and profitability initiatives. He also served as COO of the firm’s business and regulation department, where he co-led strategy and operations for all transactional practice groups.

Before joining his previous firm, Owen was president and chief executive officer of Blue Investment Management, a registered investment advisor. His earlier career includes senior executive positions at the Democracy Alliance, the New Democrat Network, and SmarterOrg, a venture he co-founded. He began his career at Accenture, where he gained great experience in strategy and operations consulting.

Credentials

Education

  • Duke University, B.A., 1992
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