President of The Barnes Firm

Biography

Richard J (Rich) Barnes is the President of The Barnes Firm. With over 30 years of trial-law experience, Rich has dedicated his legal career to representing individuals who have suffered serious injuries through no fault of their own. As a former Senior Assistant District Attorney, he prosecuted felony cases on behalf of victims before transitioning to private practice. He was selected by the Chief Criminal Judge to prosecute a triple-homicide case, demonstrating his proven track record in high-stakes litigation.

Buffalo, NY

• Email: Rich.Barnes@TheBarnesFirm.com
• Phone: (800) 800-0000

Free Case Evaluation

Since joining The Barnes Firm, Rich has focused exclusively on personal injury law — including motor vehicle accidents, truck collisions, motorcycle crashes, pedestrian and bicycle injuries, construction site incidents, and wrongful death claims. He brings deep experience in negotiating with insurers, managing complex litigation, and presenting cases in front of juries and arbitrators. He also emphasizes that experience + hard work + trusted professional relationships are the keys to achieving justice for his clients.

As President, Richard leads the nationwide team of personal injury lawyers at The Barnes Firm, ensuring every client receives top-tier representation backed by decades of legal experience and the firm’s deep resources. Under his leadership, The Barnes Firm continues its mission to deliver compassionate, results-driven advocacy for injured individuals across New York and California.

Rich Barnes believes that respect — for clients, judges, and opposing counsel alike — is the cornerstone of successful advocacy. His clients benefit not only from his extensive trial experience but also from the trusted professional relationships he has built throughout his career.

Education

• B.A., State University of New York College at Buffalo (1977)
• J.D., SUNY Buffalo School of Law (1980)

Bar Admissions

• Licensed in New York State and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York
• Member, Erie County Bar Association & New York State Bar Association

Honors & Awards

• Super Lawyers – Upstate New York Super Lawyers (2007 – 2009, 2012 – 2025) — Selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers for 17 years, honoring exceptional professional achievement and peer recognition in personal-injury litigation.
• Best Lawyers in America (Recognized since 2010) — Honored by Best Lawyers for excellence in Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, based entirely on peer review and professional reputation.
• John Timon Society Inductee (2023) — Recognized by Bishop Timon–St. Jude High School for professional excellence, community service, and lifetime achievement.

Professional Organizations

• Past President, Western New York Trial Lawyers Association
• Arbitrator and Mediator for serious injury and insurance disputes
• Special Counsel to the Buffalo Police Benevolent Association (since 1988)
• Legal Instructor, Erie County Central Police Training Services (since 1987)
• President, Board of Directors, Erie County Aid to Indigent Prisoners, Inc.

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