Overview & Experience
Kristen Barnes is a senior trial attorney with nearly 30 years of experience specializing in civil litigation and representing injured plaintiffs in the trial and appellate courts. She focuses her practice on a broad spectrum of complex personal injury matters, including automobile accidents, medical malpractice, products liability, and premises cases. However, she finds construction site accidents the most rewarding. “I appreciate the hardworking nature of blue-collar clients in these cases. I find it rewarding to provide them with the security they need after a traumatic injury, knowing it will have a positive impact on their lives,” she states.
The basis of her practice is rooted in empathy and validation. She believes it is essential to spend significant time with clients to fully understand the impact an injury has had on their lives. By prioritizing listening to her clients’ frustrations and concerns before promoting legal theory, she is poised to advocate more effectively during mediation or trial.
Another important aspect of her practice is serving as a guide, providing transparent advice on the risks and potential outcomes of a trial, while emphasizing that the ultimate decision on whether to settle or go to trial is her client’s. She estimates that less than 5% of her cases will go to trial. Approximately 70% of her litigated cases are resolved through mediation.
Kristen has written and lectured on the intricacies of Massachusetts automobile insurance law in programs sponsored by the Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education and the Massachusetts Bar Association.
When she first began her law career, Kristen worked as a law clerk for Kenney, Conley, Sullivan & Smith, P.C., and gained courtroom and trial experience as a certified Student Attorney Prosecutor with the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office. Appreciating the collaborative culture of Kenney, Conley, Sullivan & Smith, P.C., she officially joined the firm in 1997 and focused her practice on special education and civil litigation. She continues her practice with Kenney & Conley in personal injury law.
She attended Saint Anselm College, where she graduated, magna cum laude, in 1994. Kristen went on to Suffolk University Law School and earned her Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, in 1997.
Kristen is a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association, the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys, and the American Bar Association.
Admission Details
- 1997, Massachusetts
- 2000, U.S. District Court District of Massachusetts
Education
- Law School: Suffolk University, Class of 1997, J.D., Magna Cum Laude
- University: St. Anselm College, Class of 1994, B.A., Magna Cum Laude
Associations & Memberships
- American Association for Justice
- Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys
- Massachusetts Bar Association