Trying to summarize over forty years of legal experience, in addition to all the other parts of my life, will be challenging but I will do my best! Buffalo has always been near and dear to my heart having grown up in the suburbs, attending undergraduate school here, and jumping right back into law school to complete my J.D. in 1980.
Though much of my litigation experience comes from private practice, I did spend about five years prosecuting felonious violent crimes as a Senior Assistant District Attorney. The Chief Criminal Judge in that district called on me to prosecute a triple homicide case after I pivoted into private practice, however, I quickly realized that my litigation passion was more suited for personal injury. Eventually, I made my way to Cellino & Barnes to work alongside my brother, Steve, who also founded The Barnes Firm in California and New York. Looking back, and now even as I think about the future, I am excited and proud to lead a team of exceptional attorneys to help each of our clients get the best result possible.
In addition to courtroom and negotiation table accomplishments, I was also previously elected by my peers as President of the Western New York Trial Lawyers Association. Currently, I am serving as President of the Board of Directors for the Erie County Aid to Indigent Prisoners Association.
I also hold deep respect for our nation’s servicemen and law enforcement, especially given the history with Steve as a Marine. As such, I am proud to serve as both special counsel to the Buffalo Police Benevolent Association, as well as a legal instructor for the Erie County Central Police Training Services.
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