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Barbara

Barbara J. Duffy

ShareholderPresident

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 named one of the top 250 female litigators in the nation by Benchmark Litigation, recognized as a leader in litigation and health care 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

October 17, 2024News
Lane Powell Recognized as 2024 Top Performer & Compass Award Winner by Leadership Council on Legal Diversity
Awards & Honors
October 3, 2024News
Lane Powell Achieves Mansfield Rule 7.0 Certification Plus Status
Firm Announcement
September 26, 2024News
Lane Powell Attorneys Recognized in Benchmark Litigation 2025
Awards & Honors
August 15, 2024News
The Best Lawyers in America© 2025 Recognizes 128 Lane Powell Attorneys
Awards & Honors
July 31, 2024News
Fifty-seven Lane Powell Attorneys Recognized by Super Lawyers in Washington for 2024
Awards & Honors
June 6, 2024News
Lane Powell Ranked Again Among Top Firms in 2024 Chambers® USA
Awards & Honors
May 1, 2024News
Lane Powell Announces Move to New Seattle Office in 2025
Firm Announcement
November 30, 2023News
Lane Powell Earns Seventh Consecutive Top Rating in 2023 Corporate Equality Index
Awards & Honors
November 13, 2023News
Lane Powell Recognized as 2023 Top Performer & Compass Award Winner by Leadership Council on Legal Diversity
Awards & Honors
October 10, 2023News
Lane Powell Achieves Mansfield Rule 6.0 Certification Plus Status
Firm Announcement
August 17, 2023News
The Best Lawyers in America© 2024 Recognizes 123 Lane Powell Attorneys
Awards & Honors
July 31, 2023News
Forty-seven Lane Powell Attorneys Recognized by Super Lawyers in Washington for 2023
Awards & Honors
June 1, 2023News
Lane Powell Again Ranked Among Top Firms in 2023 Chambers® USA
Awards & Honors
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
Awards & Honors
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

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 (2018-2024); Health Care (2020-2024)

"Litigation Star," Benchmark Litigation, Commercial Litigation (2011-2025); Securities (2024-2025)

The Best Lawyers in America©, Commercial Litigation, Elder Law, Health Care Law (2010-2025); Long Term Care and Seniors Housing (2010-2022); Health Care Litigation (2023-2025)

"Washington Super Lawyer," Thomson Reuters, Business Litigation (2004-2005, 2007-2024)

“Top 50: Women Washington Super Lawyers,” Thomson Reuters (2022-2023)

"Top 100: Washington Super Lawyers," Thomson Reuters (2023)

"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™

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