Practice areas: Personal Injury; view more
Licensed in New York since: 1981
Education: University at Buffalo Law School - SUNY
Call today:
877-544-2066
The Barnes Firm
500 Pearl StSuite 700
Buffalo, NY 14202 Visit website
Richard (Rich) Barnes is the President of The Barnes Firm. With over thirty years of experience as a trial lawyer, Rich has built his career on the belief that there is no substitute for hard work and dedication when it comes to fighting for clients’ rights. His career began in public service, where for five years he served as a Senior Assistant District Attorney, prosecuting serious felony cases on behalf of crime victims.
During his time as a prosecutor, Rich handled some of the toughest cases in the system, including a triple homicide trial for which he was hand-selected by the Chief Criminal Judge in the district. These experiences provided him with invaluable trial skills and a deep understanding of how to build strong cases in the pursuit of justice.
After transitioning into private practice, Rich continued his commitment to representing victims — this time focusing on individuals who suffered life-changing injuries due to negligence. Throughout his career, he has successfully represented clients in thousands of personal injury cases, ranging from car accidents and construction site injuries to wrongful death matters. His results include numerous multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements that have provided clients with the financial resources they need to move forward.
Rich’s leadership at The Barnes Firm reflects his unwavering belief that every client deserves dedicated representation, compassionate support, and clear communication. He ensures that the firm’s attorneys and staff approach each case with the same commitment to excellence that has defined his own career.
At The Barnes Firm, Rich leads a team of experienced personal injury attorneys who bring hundreds of years of combined experience to the table. Together, the firm leverages vast resources — including access to top medical experts, investigators, and trial specialists — to provide clients with the strongest possible representation.
Whether it’s a car accident, slip and fall, bicycle accident, truck accident, or motorcycle accident, Rich and The Barnes Firm are committed to making the legal process as smooth and stress-free as possible. By combining compassionate advocacy with aggressive trial skills, the firm’s mission is simple: to help clients get the medical care, financial support, and justice they deserve.
Practice areas
Personal Injury - General: PlaintiffFocus areas
Animal Bites, Brain Injury, Construction Accident, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Personal Injury - Plaintiff, Premises Liability - Plaintiff, Slip and Fall, Trucking Accidents, Wrongful Death
- 100% Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff
First Admitted: 1981, New York
Professional Webpage: https://www.thebarnesfirm.com/attorneys/richard-j-barnes/
Bar / Professional Activity
- New York State Bar Association
- Member of the American Association for Justice, a National Trial Lawyers Organization
- President of the Board of Directors of the Erie County Aid to Indigent Prisoners, Inc.
- Past President of the WNY Trial Lawyers Association
- Legal Instructor, Erie County Central Police Training Services, 1987-Present
- Special Counsel to the Buffalo Police Benevolent Association, 1988-Present
- United States District Court for the Western District of New York
- New York
- Erie County Bar Association
Educational Background
- State University College at Buffalo, B.A., 1977
Honors
- Inducted to The John Timon Society on October 29, 2023
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2007 - 2009, 2012 - 2025