Leading Finnegan IP Litigator Appointed as Managing Partner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2025

WASHINGTON, DC—Finnegan is pleased to announce the appointment of James R. Barney as Managing Partner, effective July 1, 2025. A globally recognized patent litigator and appellate strategist, James brings more than two decades of courtroom excellence and firm leadership to the role.

James succeeds Erika Harmon Arner, who will transition to Chair of the firm, succeeding Anand K. Sharma. Erika’s tenure as Managing Partner was marked by strategic growth and innovation, and she will continue to shape the firm’s vision in her role as Chair. “James is a rare combination of legal intellect, courtroom presence, and collaborative leadership,” said Erika. “His ability to inspire trust, foster collaboration, and drive strategic growth makes him the ideal person to lead Finnegan into its next chapter.”

James has long been a trusted leader at Finnegan and has become one of the most respected figures in intellectual property litigation. He has led more than 20 district court and U.S. International Trade Commission trials, argued over 40 appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, including two en banc arguments, and has argued before the U.S. Supreme Court.

His litigation experience spans a wide range of technologies, including automotive systems, medical devices, chemical compounds, consumer electronics, and financial platforms. James has been recognized by Managing Intellectual Property, Intellectual Asset Management in the IAM Patent 1000, The Legal 500, and Law360, which named him Intellectual Property MVP of the Year.

As Managing Partner, James will oversee Finnegan’s global operations across 11 offices, with a focus on sustaining the firm’s momentum as the preeminent intellectual property law firm. “Finnegan’s global strength is unmatched—particularly across the U.S., Europe, and Asia—and we’re continuing to invest in the regions and industries where our clients need us most,” said James. “Our expansion in Munich and early commitment to the UPC has positioned us at the forefront of global patent litigation for our clients, and we’re already seeing that investment deliver results. We’ll continue building on that success while deepening our capabilities in high-growth sectors and emerging markets.” He added, “As a firm with a leading AI practice, I am looking forward to supporting the growth in the collaboration across our patent, copyright, and privacy practices for the evolving marketplace.”

In addition to his commercial practice, James is a dedicated advocate for military veterans, having argued numerous pro bono appeals before the Federal Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court. James is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and Yale Law School, and prior to law school served as an officer in the U.S. Navy.

Contacts

Terra Liddell, Chief Marketing Officer
terra.liddell@finnegan.com

Angela Robinson, Director of Branding and Communications
angela.robinson@finnegan.com

About Finnegan
When your most valuable assets are ideas, innovation, and brand—you need the best. Finnegan, a premier intellectual property law firm, is trusted by global leaders to protect and advance what sets them apart. With 11 offices across the globe, we bring local insight and global reach to every IP challenge. We are located in Atlanta, Boston, London, Munich, Palo Alto, Reston, Seoul, Shanghai, Taipei, Tokyo and Washington, DC. From high-stakes litigation to cutting-edge patent strategy and innovative brand management, we deliver unmatched depth, agility, and results. If it is IP, it is Finnegan. Please visit us at www.finnegan.com or follow us on LinkedIn to see how we’re shaping the future of IP, one breakthrough at a time.