The Attorneys

We are a regional civil litigation firm proudly serving Minnesota and Wisconsin. The firm aggressively, efficiently and professionally represents individuals, insurers and their insureds, professionals and businesses throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. The world, the economy, and the practice of law change change rapidly; it is imperative the law firm you choose meets your needs both today and in the future. McCarthy & Barnes, PLC proves that state-of-the-art legal services and cost-effective solutions are not mutually exclusive. 

 

IN MEMORIAM (1957-2021)

BRIAN R. MCCARTHY

Partner / Senior Attorney

A founder and partner of McCarthy & Barnes, PLC, Brian was a practicing trial lawyer since 1982.  Brian practiced almost exclusively in the area of insurance defense, representing insurers and insureds in Minnesota and Wisconsin.  His practice included over100 jury and court trials, as well as appellate work and extensive alternative dispute resolution.  Brian was honored with the SuperLawyers designation for many years, as well as an invited member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. He had a well-earned reputation for zealous and thorough trial advocacy, perhaps a trait he inherited from his father, Robert K. McCarthy - a talented insurance defense trial lawyer in Duluth until his death in 1986. 

Brian was a member of USA Hockey, and was also a longtime Executive Board Member and past President of the United States Hockey Hall of Fame. He played hockey at St. Mary’s College, and enjoyed coaching and watching his two children enjoy the sport that he grew up loving to play himself.

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ROBERT C. BARNES

Partner / Senior Attorney

Honored as one of Minnesota's Top 100 Superlawyers three times, Rob Barnes has earned the Superlawyer designation sixteen times. Certified by the Minnesota State Bar Association as a Civil Trial Specialist, he has tried over 100 cases to verdict in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Federal courtrooms, and was an invited member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. Rob is a Past President and current board member of the Eleventh District Bar Association, and served for years on the Eleventh District Ethics Committee. Practice areas include personal injury, mediation/ADR, insurance law, professional liability, commercial vehicle liability, and business litigation. Prior to entering practice, Rob was a judicial law clerk for Second District Judges Charles A. Flinn, Jr. and James M. Lynch. Rob practices throughout Minnesota, in Northern Wisconsin, and select tribal courts. A lifelong Minnesotan, with brief work and education residences in Alaska and Salt Lake City, Rob enjoys all that Up North living offers. Except Winter.

 
 
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BRIAN R. MCCARTHY

  • Admitted in MN, WI and Federal Courts

  • American Board of Trial Advocates

  • Designated a “Super Lawyer” by the Minnesota Journal of Law & Politics

  • Practiced almost exclusively in the areas of insurance defense, representing insurers and insureds in MN and WI

ROBERT C. BARNES

  • Admitted in MN, WI and Federal Courts

  • American Board of Trial Advocates

  • Past President, Eleventh District Bar Association

  • Civil Trial Specialist Certified by MSBA

  • Designated a “Super Lawyer” and “Rising Star” by the Minnesota Journal of Law & Politics