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Barbara J. Duffy Photo

Barbara

Barbara J. Duffy
ShareholderPresident
Seattle
D 206.223.7944
C 206.612.2576
duffyb@lanepowell.com

As President of Lane Powell, Barbara Duffy works closely with the Board of Directors and an experienced senior management team to lead the firm forward, with a focus on innovative service offerings, outstanding client service, and recruiting and developing diverse talent. Barb has extensive experience representing clients in complex commercial litigation, health care and regulatory disputes, and class actions, and continues to serve the firm’s clients in this capacity.   

Barb has tried bench and jury trials in state and federal courts and has extensive experience with arbitration proceedings. She advises national and local clients on matters related to False Claims Act, qui tam, investigations and class action defense strategies.

In 2004, Barb saw an opportunity to develop a cross functional team to meet the legal needs of the health care and senior living industries. Under her leadership, the firm has become recognized as a top tier provider of legal counsel for providers in these sectors. As part of her ongoing commitment to the health care industry, Barb serves as Chair of the American Health Lawyers Association's Long Term Care and the Law Program Committee and was previously the Chair of the American Health Care Association’s Legal Committee for several years.

As a senior litigator and legal advisor, Barb has learned that in addition to providing clients with the best possible legal and business advice, the keys for a successful relationship are responsiveness and clear communication. She excels at keeping clients informed, empowered and on top of developments that affect their business.

Barb has been consistently named one of the top 250 female litigators in the nation by Benchmark Litigation, recognized as a leader in litigation and healthcare by Chambers® USA, Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers®, and is AV Preeminent® rated by Martindale-Hubbell®.

Experience

  • Koss v. Norwood
    305 F. Supp. 3d 897 U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
    Lead class counsel for a class of impoverished individuals in the State of Illinois meeting long delays in the processing of their applications for long term care Medicaid benefits. 
  • Carr v. United Healthcare Services Inc.
    Case No. 2:15-cv-01105U.S. District Court, Western District of WashingtonSeattle, Washington
    Defended United HealthCare Services, Inc. (UHC) in a large complex class action lawsuit concerning all of UHC’s self-funded plans nationwide and claims related to the Federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act.
  • A.G., et al. v. Premera Blue Cross, et al.
    Case No. 11-2-30233-4 SEAKing County Superior CourtSeattle, Washington
    Represented client Premera Blue Cross in a Washington Mental Health Parity Act and consumer protection matter.
  • R.H., et al. v. Premera Blue Cross, et al.
    Case No. 13-cv-00097RAJU.S. District Court, Western District of WashingtonSeattle, Washington
    Represented client Premera Blue Cross in a Washington Mental Health Parity Act and consumer protection matter.
  • WHCA v. Dreyfus
    Case No. WL 2432005U.S. District Court, Western District of WashingtonSeattle, Washington
    Order granting motion for temporary restraining order enjoining Medicaid rate cuts by the state of Washington.
  • Washington Health Care Association v. Arnold-Williams, et al.
    601 F. Supp. 2d 1224 U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
    Order invalidating legislation requiring assisted living providers to retain Medicaid residents after termination of their Medicaid contracts in violation of the Contracts Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
  • Naylor et al. v. Sunwest Management Inc. et al.
    Case No.  0703-03248Multnomah County Circuit Court
    Obtained dismissal of a class action complaint against a number of long-term care facilities and their management company brought by residents for violation of the Oregon Unlawful Trade Practices Act.
  • Seelhoff v. Welch
    Represented plaintiff in antitrust action through trial to judgment.
  • Steele v. Extendicare Health Services, Inc. et al
    Represented Extendicare and several affiliated companies in a series of class action lawsuits in Washington, Minnesota and Wisconsin regarding, among other allegations, misrepresentation of the standard of care provided to residents.
  • UnitedHealthcare Insurance Co. Self-Insured Employee Health Plan Arbitration
    Represented a healthcare insurer against an arbitration demand filed by a petitioner hospital requesting payment of amounts allegedly owed under an in-network provider contract with our client.
  • Washington Health Care Association, et al. v. Dreyfus, et al.
    Case No. CV09-5395-RBLU.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
    Represented the Washington Health Care Association (WHCA) and a number of Washington skilled nursing homes in a federal lawsuit which challenged the validity of a cut in Medicare reimbursement rates.
  • Health Insurance Payor Arbitration
    Defended a Health Insurance Payor in arbitration regarding payment rates

Professional Experience

Lane Powell

  • President (2019-Present)
  • Board of Directors
  • Former Litigation Department Director
     

Community Involvement

Member, American Health Lawyers Association (AHLA)

  • Chair, Program Committee for Long Term Care and the Law
  • Former Chair, Long Term Care, Senior Housing, In-Home Care, and Rehabilitation Practice Group

Washington Health Care Association (WHCA), Outside General Counsel

American Health Care Association Legal Committee (AHCA)

  • Co-Chair (2019-2020)
  • Chair (2014-2018)

King County Bar Foundation, Trustee (2019-2022)

Oregon Health Care Association, Member

Friends of Seattle Public Library, President and Board Member (1998-2000)
 

Thought Leadership

  • March 1, 2023Event / CLE
    Welcome and Introduction
    American Health Law Association | New Orleans, Louisiana
  • November 9, 2022News
    Lane Powell Recognized as 2022 Top Performer by Leadership Council on Legal Diversity
    Awards & Honors
  • October 19, 2022News
    Lane Powell Achieves Mansfield Rule 5.0 Certification Plus Status
    Firm Announcement
  • August 23, 2022News
    Lane Powell Completes Certification With LGBTQ+ Bar Association
    Awards & Honors
  • August 18, 2022News

    The Best Lawyers in America© 2023 Recognizes 90 Lane Powell Attorneys

    Awards & Honors
  • July 28, 2022Event / CLE
    Women Who Lead: in Law
    Puget Sound Business Journal | Seattle, Washington
  • July 14, 2022News

    Forty-four Lane Powell Attorneys Recognized by Super Lawyers in Washington for 2022

    Awards & Honors
  • June 1, 2022News
    Lane Powell Again Ranked Among Top Firms in 2022 Chambers® USA
    Awards & Honors
  • May 9, 2022News
    Lane Powell Featured in The Recorder Article 'Lane Powell Launches Health Care Transactions Team With 8-Lawyer Boutique'
    In the News
  • May 5, 2022News
    Health Care Transactions Boutique Firm The Nathanson Group PLLC to Join Lane Powell
    Firm Announcement
  • February 23, 2022Event / CLE
    Long Term Care and the Law
    American Health Law Association | Orlando, Florida
  • January 27, 2022News
    Lane Powell Earns Top Rating in 2022 Corporate Equality Index for Sixth Consecutive Year
    Awards & Honors
  • January 26, 2022News
    Lane Powell's New Associate Compensation Model Featured in American Lawyer Article 'Aiming to Discourage Fear and Frenzy, This Firm Is Paying More for Fewer Billable Hours'
    In the News
  • January 25, 2022News

    Lane Powell's New Associate Compensation Model Featured in American Lawyer Article 'A Culture That Gives You Your Evenings and Weekends: Why Some Associates Are Jumping to Midsize Firms'

    In the News
  • October 27, 2021News

    Lane Powell Recognized as 2021 Top Performer and Compass Award Winner by Leadership Council on Legal Diversity

    Awards & Honors
  • October 19, 2021News
    Lane Powell Attorneys Recognized in Benchmark Litigation 2022
    Awards & Honors
  • September 13, 2021News
    Lane Powell Achieves Mansfield Rule 4.0 Certification Plus Status
    Firm Announcement
  • August 19, 2021News
    The Best Lawyers in America© 2022 Recognizes 90 Lane Powell Attorneys
    Awards & Honors
  • July 15, 2021News
    Forty-Three Lane Powell Attorneys Recognized by Super Lawyers for 2021
    Awards & Honors
  • May 20, 2021News
    Lane Powell Again Ranked Among Top Firms in 2021 Chambers® USA
    Awards & Honors
  • April 29, 2021News

    Duffy and Sanchez Reappointed to American Health Law Association Leadership Roles

    Awards & Honors
  • April 8, 2021News
    Duffy Featured in Law360 Profile ‘Lane Powell’s President Sees Investing in Talent as Key’
    In the News
  • March 3, 2021Event / CLE
    What the New Administration Means to the Long Term Care Industry
    American Health Law Association | Virtual
  • March 2, 2021Event / CLE
    Assisted Living Virtual In-House Counsel Roundtable
    American Health Law Association | Virtual
  • January 28, 2021News
    Lane Powell Once Again Named as One of the Nation’s Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality
    Awards & Honors
  • November 24, 2020News
    Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Recognizes Lane Powell as 2020 'Top Performer'
    Awards & Honors
  • October 28, 2020News
    Lane Powell Attorneys Recognized in Benchmark Litigation 2021
    Awards & Honors
  • August 20, 2020News
    The Best Lawyers in America© 2021 Recognizes 92 Lane Powell Attorneys
    Awards & Honors
  • July 21, 2020News
    Duffy Featured on Oyster’s ‘Leadership is No Accident’ Podcast
    In the News
  • July 16, 2020News
    Thirty-Two Lane Powell Attorneys Recognized by Super Lawyers in Washington for 2020
    Awards & Honors
  • July 9, 2020News
    Duffy Quoted in Thomson Reuters Article ‘Insurers Curb Coverage, Hike Rates for Strained Senior Care Market’
    In the News
  • May 27, 2020News
    Duffy Quoted in McKnight’s Long Term Care News Article ‘Nursing Homes Continue Fight for Legal Immunity’
    In the News
  • May 14, 2020News
    Duffy Quoted in Time Magazine Article ‘'A License for Neglect.' Nursing Homes Are Seeking — and Winning — Immunity Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic’
    In the News
  • May 10, 2020News
    Duffy Quoted in Barron’s Article ‘Residents Fear Nursing-Home Legal Immunity Amid Crisis’
    In the News
  • April 23, 2020 News
    Lane Powell Again Ranked Among Top Firms in 2020 Chambers® USA
    Awards & Honors
  • April 16, 2020News
    Lane Powell Featured in Law.com Article 'What’s Working? Midsize Firms Count Wins – and Lessons – During Coronavirus Closures'
    In the News
  • March 30, 2020Event / CLE
    Marketing or Social Networking
    Health Care Compliance Association Compliance Institute | Nashville, Tennessee
  • March 13, 2020Publication
    COVID-19 Employment FAQ’s for Long Term Care and Senior Living Providers
    COVID-19 Resource
  • March 10, 2020Publication
    Washington State Governor’s Proclamation 20-06: What It Means for Senior Living and Long Term Care Providers
    COVID-19 Resource
  • March 2, 2020Publication
    Legal Considerations for Senior Care and Living Providers in Light of COVID-19
    COVID-19 Resource
  • January 21, 2020News
    Lane Powell Earns Top Marks in 2020 Corporate Equality Index for Fourth Consecutive Year
    Awards & Honors
  • August 15, 2019News
    The Best Lawyers in America© 2020 Recognizes 63 Lane Powell Attorneys
    Awards & Honors
  • July 17, 2019News
    Duffy Recognized as National Legal Influencer by The Business Journals
    Awards & Honors
  • June 10, 2019News
    Thirty-one Lane Powell Attorneys Named ‘Washington Super Lawyers’ and Nine Named ‘Washington Rising Stars’
    Awards & Honors
  • June 10, 2019Publication
    Commencing an Action: Washington
    Practical Law
  • June 10, 2019Publication
    Responding to a Complaint: Washington
    Practical Law
  • June 4, 2019News
    Duffy Named Lane Powell President
    Firm Announcement
  • June 4, 2019News
    Duffy Featured in Puget Sound Business Journal Article ‘Large Seattle Law Firm Names New President’
    In the News
  • April 26, 2019News
    Lane Powell Again Ranked Among Top Firms in 2019 Chambers® USA
    Awards & Honors
  • April 8, 2019Event / CLE
    Creating a Compliance Plan in the New Post-Acute World
    Health Care Compliance Association | Boston
  • February 27-March 1, 2019Event / CLE
    Long Term Care and the Law Conference
    American Health Lawyers Association | Phoenix, Arizona
  • October 12, 2018News
    Lane Powell Highly Recommended in Benchmark Litigation 2019
    Awards & Honors
  • August 15, 2018News
    The Best Lawyers in America© 2019 Recognizes 62 Lane Powell Attorneys
    Awards & Honors
  • August 1, 2018News
    Lane Powell Attorneys Recognized as ‘Top 250 Women in Litigation’ and on ‘40 & Under Hot List’ for 2018 by Benchmark Litigation
    Awards & Honors
  • June 18, 2018News
    Thirty-two Lane Powell Attorneys Named ‘Washington Super Lawyers’ and 14 Named ‘Washington Rising Stars’
    Awards & Honors
  • May 3, 2018News
    Lane Powell Again Ranked Among Top Firms in 2018 Chambers® USA
    Awards & Honors
  • October 26, 2017News
    Lane Powell Highly Recommended in Benchmark Litigation 2018
    Awards & Honors
  • August 15, 2017News
    Fifty-nine Lane Powell Attorneys Named in The Best Lawyers® in America 2018
    Awards & Honors
  • August 1, 2017News
    Lane Powell Attorneys Recognized as ‘Top 250 Women in Litigation’ and on ‘Under 40 Hot List’ for 2017 by Benchmark Litigation
    Awards & Honors
  • June 9, 2017News
    Thirty-one Lane Powell Attorneys Named ‘Washington Super Lawyers’ and 16 Named ‘Washington Rising Stars’
    Awards & Honors
  • May 30, 2017News
    Chambers® USA  Recommends Lane Powell in Multiple Categories for 2017
    Awards & Honors
  • May 23, 2017Event / CLE
    The Requirements of Participation — What You Need to Know Now
    Washington Health Care Association | Tacoma, Washington
  • March 26, 2017Event / CLE
    CMS Final Rule: Reform of Requirement for Long Term Care Facilities
    Health Care Compliance Association | National Harbor, Maryland
  • January 31, 2017Event / CLE
    American Seniors Housing Association 2017 Annual Meeting
    American Seniors Housing Association | Palm Springs, California
  • October 20, 2016News
    Lane Powell Highly Recommended in Benchmark Litigation 2017
    Awards & Honors
  • August 17, 2016News
    Fifty-one Lane Powell Attorneys Named in The Best Lawyers in America® 2017
    Awards & Honors
  • June 21, 2016News
    Duffy, Mautner and Payton Named 2016 ‘Top 250 Women in Litigation’ by Benchmark Litigation
    Awards & Honors
  • May 27, 2016News
    Chambers® USA Recommends Lane Powell in Multiple Categories for 2016
    Awards & Honors
  • April 17, 2016Event / CLE
    Long Term Care: The Mystery of Repayment
    Health Care Compliance Association | Las Vegas, Nevada
  • November 4, 2015News
    Duffy Reappointed as Chair of the American Health Care Association Legal Committee
    Awards & Honors
  • October 27, 2015News
    Lane Powell Highly Recommended in 2016 Benchmark Litigation
  • August 17, 2015News
    Forty-eight Lane Powell Attorneys Named in The Best Lawyers in America® 2016
    Awards & Honors
  • June 19, 2015News
    Duffy, Mautner and Payton Named as 2015 ‘Top 250 Women in Litigation’ by Benchmark Litigation
  • June 12, 2015News
    Thirty-two Lane Powell Attorneys Named ‘Washington Super Lawyers’ and 11 Named as ‘Washington Rising Stars’
    Awards & Honors
  • April 20, 2015Event / CLE
    Reportable Events and the Role of the Compliance Officer
    Health Care Compliance Association | Lake Buena Vista, Florida
  • January 30, 2015Event / CLE
    Defending Against Plaintiffs’ Firms’ Latest Practices Under the False Claims Act
    Preventing and Defending Long Term Care Litigation | Miami, Florida
  • December 4, 2014Event / CLE
    How AHCA’s Legal Committee Serves State Affiliates
    American Health Care Association | Dallas, Texas
  • October 20, 2014News
    Eleven Lane Powell Attorneys Recognized as “Litigation Stars;” Two Named as “Future Stars” in 2015 Benchmark Litigation Legal Guide
  • August 18, 2014News
    Fifty-One Lane Powell Attorneys Named in The Best Lawyers in America® 2015
    Awards & Honors
  • June 13, 2014News
    Thirty-five Lane Powell Attorneys Named ‘Washington Super Lawyers’ and Fifteen Named as ‘Washington Rising Stars’
    Awards & Honors
  • March 31, 2014Event / CLE
    Inside Counsel, Outside Counsel, General Counsel: How Should a Compliance Officer Conduct an Investigation?
    Health Care Compliance Association
  • February 20, 2014Publication
    Meet the Monitors
    American Health Lawyers Association
  • June 14, 2013News
    Thirty-Six Lane Powell Attorneys Named ‘Washington Super Lawyers’ and Sixteen Named as ‘Washington Rising Stars’
    Awards & Honors
  • June 13, 2012News
    28 Lane Powell Attorneys Named ‘Washington Super Lawyers;’ 12 Named as ‘Washington Rising Stars’
    Awards & Honors
  • August 9, 2011News
    Thirty-six Lane Powell Attorneys Listed as Top Lawyers in Seattle Metropolitan Magazine
    Awards & Honors
  • June 20, 2011News
    Twenty-six Lane Powell Attorneys Named ‘Washington Super Lawyers;’ Ten Lane Powell Attorneys Named As ‘Washington Rising Stars’
    Awards & Honors
  • June 7, 2011News
    Lane Powell Hosts Professional Delegate From France
    Firm Announcement
  • July 20, 2010News
    58 Lane Powell Attorneys Listed as Top Lawyers in Seattle Metropolitan Magazine
    Awards & Honors
  • June 6, 2010News
    28 Lane Powell Attorneys Named Washington Super Lawyers 2010
    Awards & Honors
  • Awards_2023 Best Lawyers America
  • 2023 Benchmark Litigation Local Star
  • Chambers USA Leading Lawyer 2022
  • Washington Super Lawyers 2022

Barbara's Bios

  • Primary
  • Class Action
  • ERISA
  • Senior Housing & Long Term Care

Practices & Industries

  • Class Actions
  • Commercial Litigation
  • ERISA, Life, Health & Disability
  • Senior Living & Long Term Care
  • Wage & Hour
  • Class Action Readiness Panel

Education

  • University of Minnesota, J.D., cum laude, 1989
    • Phi Beta Kappa
    • Phi Kappa Phi
    • Golden Key National Honor Society
  • University of Minnesota, B.A., 1985

Admissions

  • Washington
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Washington
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit

Honors

Chambers® USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, General: Commercial Litigation (2018-2022); Healthcare (2020-2022)

"Local Litigation Star," Benchmark Litigation, Commercial Litigation (2011-2023)

The Best Lawyers in America©, Commercial Litigation, Elder, Health Care (2010-2023); Long Term Care and Seniors Housing (2010-2022); Health Care Litigation (2023)

"Washington Super Lawyer," Thomson Reuters, Business Litigation (2004-2005, 2007-2022)

“Top 50: Women Washington Super Lawyers,” Thomson Reuters (2022)

"Stand-Out Lawyer," Thomson Reuters (2022)

Influencers: Law List, The Business Journals (2019)

"Top 250 Women in Litigation," Benchmark Litigation (2012-2018)

"Seattle Lawyer of the Year" Best Lawyers®, Long Term Care and Seniors Housing (2014)

"Top 50 Women Attorneys in Washington," Thomson Reuters (2008, 2011)

AV Preeminent® in Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™

Before proceeding, please note:  If you are not a current client of Lane Powell PC, please do not include any information in this email that you or someone else considers to be confidential or secret in nature.  Prior to the establishment of a lawyer-client relationship, unsolicited emails from non-clients containing confidential or secret information cannot be protected from disclosure.

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