Richard J. Barnes

The president of The Barnes Firm in Buffalo, New York, Richard J. Barnes, represents clients in high-stakes personal injury litigation. He focuses his practice on advocating for plaintiffs across a broad range of complicated legal issues, including general personal injury, medical malpractice and products liability. Known for his steadfast advocacy, he handles critical cases on behalf of individuals navigating severe injuries and corporate negligence.

Mr. Barnes brings extensive experience to sophisticated and niche areas of personal injury law. His versatile litigation career includes representing victims in complex aviation and aerospace accidents, healthcare disputes and transportation or maritime litigation. This diverse focus underscores his deep capacity to manage technical evidence and present compelling arguments on behalf of injured individuals against powerful adversaries.

Beyond his courtroom advocacy, Mr. Barnes is recognized for his strategic approach to complex litigation, combining meticulous case preparation with a profound understanding of procedural and substantive law. He is adept at navigating all stages of the legal process, from initial case assessment and investigation through discovery and trial, and is committed to delivering effective, personalized representation tailored to each client's unique needs.

Mr. Barnes earned his bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York College at Buffalo in 1977. He then earned his Juris Doctor from the SUNY Buffalo School of Law in 1980. He was admitted to practice law in New York in 1981 and is also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York.

Active in the legal community, Mr. Barnes is a member of the Bar Association of Erie County and the New York State Bar Association. He also served as the past president of the Western New York Trial Lawyers Association.