Small Law Firms

Steve Barnes Dies In Plane Crash

Successful lawyer behind one of the most enduring legal marketing campaigns dies.

By  
on

Late Friday, we received word that Steve Barnes and his niece had died in a plane crash.

Barnes, one half of one of the most recognizable law firm jingles in the country, was flying the two from New Hampshire to Buffalo for his mother’s birthday party when air traffic controllers lost contact with the plane.

The firm released the following statement.

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we acknowledge the loss of Steve Barnes and his niece Elizabeth Barnes following a tragic accident earlier today.

Steve was a friend, colleague, partner, and mentor to so many people across our firm, in New York, California, and beyond. He was a legal industry giant, proud Marine, and loving father.

Steve and Elizabeth will be sorely missed by many.

Our utmost condolences go out to his family and closest loved ones during this very difficult and unfortunate time.

While 800-888-8888 is instantly recognizable as Cellino & Barnes for anyone in their media footprint, Steve Barnes had been operating as The Barnes Firm recently after a dispute broke up the legendary pair.

Ross Cellino made the following statement:

It is with great sadness that I learned of the tragic passing of Steve Barnes in a plane crash. Steve and I worked together for many years at our firm. He was always a fearless advocate for his clients. His passing is a significant loss for the legal community. Steve’s greatest accomplishment was his three children Josiah, Rachel, and Julia. Steve is survived by his longtime partner, Ellen Sturm, also an attorney at our firm.

Equally heartbreaking is the passing of Elizabeth Barnes, sister of Brian Barnes and daughter of Rich Barnes, Steve’s brother and an attorney at our firm.

All of us at Cellino and Barnes are deeply saddened. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Barnes family during this difficult time.

Sponsored

A tragic loss for the profession.

HeadshotJoe Patrice is a senior editor at Above the Law and co-host of Thinking Like A Lawyer. Feel free to email any tips, questions, or comments. Follow him on Twitter if you’re interested in law, politics, and a healthy dose of college sports news. Joe also serves as a Managing Director at RPN Executive Search.

Sponsored

Topics

, ,