James R. Barnes

Practice Areas: Elder Law, Estate Planning & Probate

James R. Barnes, Esq. transitioned from his role as an associate attorney at Burke & Casserly, P.C. after six years to become a prominent figure within the firm as a shareholder in 2011. His legal focus primarily revolves around areas such as wills, trusts, estates, elder law, special needs planning, and business formation and planning. James is also a regular speaker, addressing both the community and fellow legal professionals on topics related to estate planning and issues affecting the elderly.

James, in collaboration with the team at Burke & Casserly, P.C., actively engages in community initiatives. As an illustration of their commitment, the firm has sponsored the Alzheimer’s Association of NENY for more than three decades, actively participating in their fundraising activities. Currently, James serves as a Trustee of the Foundation for Ellis Medicine in Schenectady and is a board member of the Visiting Nurse Service of Northeastern New York. Furthermore, he has held the position of Past-President for the Visiting Nurse Service of Northeastern New York’s Foundation Board, which has since merged with the Foundation for Ellis Medicine. Additionally, he sits on the board of directors for The New York Bar Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting charitable and educational projects that address the legal needs of the public and legal profession. James also maintains an active role in the New York State Bar Association, serving on the Executive Committee of the Elder Law and Special Needs Section, and presently chairs the Association’s Committee on Continuing Legal Education. He has previously served as the Chair of the Association’s Young Lawyers Section and contributed to various committees and task forces. Furthermore, he is a member of the Estate Planning Council of Eastern New York.

James earned his Juris Doctorate from Wake Forest University School of Law in 2004, where he distinguished himself as an A.J. Fletcher Law Scholar. During his time at Wake Forest, he held a leadership position as Vice-President in the Phi Alpha Delta National Law School Fraternity for two years. His undergraduate studies took place at the State University of New York at Binghamton, where he graduated summa cum laude in 2001 with a double major in Philosophy, Politics and Law, and Music. While at Binghamton, he was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa, Golden Key, and Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Societies.