Dennis M. Barnes (.pdf copy)

PRACTICE AREAS

Alternative Dispute Resolution

  • Mediation

  • Facilitation

  • Early Dispute Resolution (“EDR”) Certified Neutral

  • Arbitration

  • Special Master

Business Litigation

Business Counseling

Insurance Coverage

EDUCATION

University of Notre Dame Law School, J.D.

Hillsdale College, Bachelor of Arts Magna Cum Laude

HONORS & AWARDS

Recipient, Julian Abele Cook, Jr. - Bernard A. Friedman Award for professional excellence and civility (2023)

Listed in Best Lawyers in America, Commercial Litigation

Listed in Michigan Super Lawyers, Business Litigation & ADR

ALM, Top Rated Lawyer, Commercial Litigation

dBusiness Magazine, Metro Detroit's Top Lawyers

Martindale Hubbell Peer Review Rating: AV Preeminent 5

Federal Court Advanced Technology Courtroom Certification

Buttons Invitational 2013 Green Coat Award

Dennis M. Barnes is a polished and successful mediator who gets results based on good judgment, intuition, dedication, and over three decades of experience in high-end civil litigation.  He is also a leader in the federal and state bar, having served as President of the State Bar of Michigan and President of the Federal Bar Association’s Eastern District of Michigan Chapter, among other positions. In these capacities, Denny has earned the trust and respect of judges, practicing lawyers, and litigants. In 2023, the FBA honored Denny with its Julian Abele Cook, Jr. - Bernard A. Friedman Civility Award, created to recognize a civil practitioner who is an outstanding example of professional excellence and civility.

For over 33 years, practicing at Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker, PLLC, and before that, as Butzel Long, PC, two of Michigan’s premier law firms, Denny's practice covered a wide range of complex commercial and business litigation and business counseling, including not only litigation of such disputes, but also helping others resolve such disputes as a mediator, arbitrator, and/or court appointed special master.

PROFESSIONAL & CIVIC LEADERSHIP

  • President, State Bar of Michigan (2019-2020)

  • State Bar of Michigan Board of Commissioners (2010-2020)

  • State Bar of Michigan Board of Commissioners Executive Committee (2012-2020)

  • Past-President, Federal Bar Association Eastern District of Michigan Chapter

  • Fellow, Michigan State Bar Foundation

  • Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society

  • Federal Court Standing Committee on Civility

  • Federal Court 2009 Magistrate Reappointment Selection Panel

  • Shamrock Bar Association (Lawyers Affiliated with Detroit Catholic Central High School)

  • Incorporated Society of Irish American Lawyers

  • Detroit Catholic Central High School Board of Directors

  • Detroit Catholic Central High School Alumni Board of Directors

  • Notre Dame Club of Detroit

  • St. William Parish in Walled Lake

    • Finance Council, Chair

    • Stewardship Commission

    • Parish Council

    • Education Commission

    • Coach of St. William School Boy's Basketball, Football and Girl's Basketball Teams

  • Buttons Invitational Charity Golf Outing, Board of Directors

  • International Order of the Alhambra, Manresa Caravan (an organization dedicated to assisting developmentally disabled children) Past Grand Commander

  • Pro Bono Legal Counsel for Alhambra Michigan Council of Caravans and St. Francis Camp on the Lake, a summer camp for mentally and physically handicapped children

  • MELL Program – Volunteer in a substance abuse education program
    in Detroit Public Schools

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • State Bar of Michigan

  • United States Supreme Court

  • United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

  • United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit

  • United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan

  • United States District Court, Western District of Michigan