Providing Unsurpassed Expertise
Our team of professionals provides unsurpassed expertise and services that your business can depend on. Learn more about our outstanding professionals below.
BRENDA A. BARNES, CPA
Managing Principal
Brenda has over 25 years of law firm management experience handling the day-to-day operations of very small, to the oversight of the administration of very large law firms. She has a unique perspective on running a legal practice – she understands how to run your company like a business.
Brenda earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from University of Texas and has her Certified Public Accountant designation. She also has her Masters of Business Administration with emphasis in Management. Prior to opening up B2 Legal Management in 2008, Brenda was the firm administrator for Hilgers & Watkins, P.C.
Brenda is the past President of Austin-Central Texas Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) and past chairman of the Education Committee.
Brenda focuses on implementation of new office set-ups and oversees a staff of accountants who handle the day-to-day accounting & billing functions for numerous B2 clients. Brenda also assists clients with developing business plans as well as financial & profitability analysis.
Brenda is a huge live music fan so when she is not spending time with her family, she can be found listening to her favorite bands.
E-mail: bbarnes@b2legal.com
Phone: 512-563-3183
CAROL G. ARNOLD, CPA
Principal
Carol has over 33 years of management experience. She was Executive Director of Graves, Dougherty, Hearon & Moody for 15 years. Carol’s experience includes management of the operational departments of the law firm, specific focus on financial strategies and analyses, and management of a large tenant finish out project.
Carol graduated from the University of Houston with a BBA degree and is a Certified Public Accountant. Prior to her work at Graves Dougherty she was an entrepreneur operating a commercial construction sub-contracting firm, controller of an oil field supply company and vice president of a savings and loan association.
Carol specializes in managing the operations aspect of a project, including detailed work planning, effective change management , and resource allocation for B2 clients. She can serve as your out-sourced COO in analyzing operational costs and efficiency, creating and planning business development events, creating a new office or moving an existing office.
Carol enjoys running, yoga, baking, and traveling.
E-mail: carnold@b2legal.com
Phone: 512-203-3239
ZOE KING
Principal
Zoe joined B2 Legal Management in April 2011, bringing 19 years of office management experience to the company. She brings a wide range of knowledge and expertise in all aspects of office management.
Zoe received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with emphasis on Business and Management from St. Edward’s University. Prior to joining B2 Legal, she was Executive Director of a commercial real estate company, Commercial Texas, for approximately 4 years supporting day-to day operations of the firm including marketing, human resources and general office management. Before joining Commercial Texas, Zoe was Office Manager and Administrator for Thompson & Knight LLP. While at the firm, she was responsible for financial management issues, recruiting, marketing and overseeing support staff. Zoe spent several years as Office Manager for Locke Liddell & Sapp LLP before returning to Thompson & Knight. Zoe was an active member of the Association of Legal Administrators for 8 years and served as Chair of the Salary Survey Committee.
Zoe assists B2 clients in setting up new offices including everything from pencils to personnel. She is adept at contract negotiations and systems analysis.
In her spare time, Zoe enjoys playing tennis, gardening and spending time in the hill country.
E-mail: zking@b2legal.com
Phone: 512-694-5146
TINA L. TERRIAN, PHR
Principal
Tina has over 16 years of human resources and office management experience. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and has her PHR certification. Prior to joining B2 Legal Management, Tina was the Human Resources Director & Facilities Manager for Armbrust & Brown, PLLC.
Tina is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Austin Human Resource Management Association (AHRMA). She was also an active member of the Austin Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) where she served as President-Elect, Secretary, Business Partner Relations Committee Chair, served on a number of committees and was the 2010 National Quest Award recipient.
Tina’s focus is on all aspects of human resources management, facilities management, general office administration, education and event planning.
When she isn’t spending time with family and friends, Tina loves all things creative. She is also actively involved in a number of non-profit and community service organizations.
E-mail: tterrian@b2legal.com
Phone: 512-731-1251
CHRIS SIMSPrincipal
Chris joined B2 Legal Management in March 2013, bringing over 20 years accounting and finance experience to the company. He brings a breadth of knowledge to B2 Legal Management including: banking relationships; inside and outside financing; cash management; budgets and forecasts; compensation; trust accounting; operational efficiency and savings; technology integration; time, billing and accounting software; and, risk management.
Chris earned a Bachelor of Business Administration – Finance from the University of North Texas in Denton. He recently passed the examinations to become a Certified Public Accountant and is awaiting licensure. For the past 12 years, Chris was Controller for Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta LLP where he led the day-to-day operations of the accounting, billing, and information technology departments. In addition, he handled the strategic direction of the firm in those arenas working closely with the Management, Finance, and Technology Committees. Chris brings to the table experience in other industries including technology, non-profit, hospitality, and restaurants.
Chris has been an active member in the Association of Legal Administrators since 2004. He served on the Board of Directors for the Austin Chapter where he served most recently as President, President-Elect, and Treasurer. He also served as the Chair of the Compensation and Benefits Committee for several terms and as a member of the Community Relations and Website Committees. At the International level, he served as a member of the regional nominating committees.
Beyond the fascinating world of accounting and finance, Chris enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and snow skiing.
E-mail: csims@b2legal.com
Phone: 512-381-1500
BILL ELKJER
Consultant
Bill Elkjer has over 35 years of management experience. He was the Firm Administrator for Hohmann, Taube & Summers, LLP for 12 years and Johnson & Wortley for 10 years. He has also directed the statewide licensing program for the Texas Department of Insurance, and was a Division Director over several divisions at the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Bill has proven operation experience and successes in formulating forecasts and budgets, creating personnel evaluation standards and training programs, developing and implementing operational procedures as well as direct supervision of several software time and billing system conversion and upgrades. Bill holds a Master of Public Administration.
He enjoys playing golf, spending time with his grandkids, and relaxing at his mountain cabin in New Mexico.
E-mail: belkjer@b2legal.com
Phone: 512-663-8025
