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