Attorneys

 

For over fifteen years, litigation partner Roderick R. Barnes has achieved favorable results in a variety of complex commercial disputes. Mr. Barnes concentrates on construction litigation and the defense of developers, contractors, architects, engineers, and others engaged in the construction industry. In addition, Mr. Barnes has extensive experience representing insurance agencies and brokerages in disputes with insurance companies. He is accomplished in the prosecution and defense of tort claims, having achieved favorable results for plaintiffs in assisted living/nursing home negligence cases, as well as defamation, fraud, and wrongful death claims. He has defended clients against product liability, professional liability, and personal injury actions. Mr. Barnes has successfully handled partnership and contract disputes for a variety of clients, including professional athletes, law firms, and parties to joint ventures. Skilled in all stages of litigation, including appeals, Mr. Barnes has won numerous trials and achieved favorable settlements in a broad range of cases.

After graduating with honors from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 1989, he served as a Judicial Law Clerk for the Honorable John J. Bishop, Jr. on the Maryland Court of Special Appeals. In this role, Mr. Barnes co-authored several reported opinions in the area of creditors' rights and general negligence. Throughout his career, Mr. Barnes has taken leadership roles in several legal and community associations and groups. He was recently elected to serve a three year term on the Maryland State Bar Association's Litigation Section Council, and is active with the Grace United Methodist Church.

Representative Matters

 

The representation of a real estate developer against a contractor in a major 'delay' suit involving the construction of a condominium tower; the case settled favorably for the developer on the eve of trial.

The defense of EIFS manufacturers in numerous product liability cases involving a housing development; all the suits were dismissed.

The representation of insurance agencies and brokerages against insurance companies in cases involving wrongful termination of agency agreements, defamation, and claims of illegal practices brought by the Maryland Insurance Administration.

The representation of clients in partnership disputes involving joint ventures, law firms, court reporting firms, and other business enterprises. These cases included claims of misappropriation, fraud, violation of non-competition agreements, and the division of assets.

The successful defense of property owners in numerous premises liability disputes, leading to dismissal or defense verdicts.

News and Publications

 

"Structure Non-competes to Stay Out of the Courtroom." Roderick R. Barnes writes on the new wave of non-compete litigation. Published in the Baltimore Business Journal, April 27, 2007.

"The Non-Regulation of Independent Living." A column by Roderick R. Barnes on the lack of regulations concerning independent living facilities for senior citizens. RetirementHomes.com, November 10, 2005.