Richard B. Mackie

I practice exclusively in personal injury law—nothing else—because my true passion lies in helping injured individuals and their families when they’re facing their greatest challenges. I grew up in California and New York, and while attending SUNY Buffalo, I began working with Steve Barnes at Cellino & Barnes. That early experience not only anchored my commitment to serving those in need, but also reaffirmed that The Barnes Firm is where I wanted to build my legal career.

What sets my practice apart is my unwavering client-first focus. I blend tenacity, aggressive representation, and results-driven advocacy with genuine care—treating clients like family, not just files. As a senior trial attorney in San Diego, I've also been consistently recognized for this approach: in 2017, I was selected among California’s “10 Best Attorneys for Client Satisfaction,” followed by honors such as Top 40 Under 40 in 2021, membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum in 2022, and a Super Lawyers Rising Stars designation in 2023

Do I really need a lawyer for my accident case?

Yes. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, even when liability seems clear. Having an experienced trial attorney on your side ensures your rights are protected and that you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to. At The Barnes Firm, we have the resources and experience to stand up to big insurers and fight for our clients every step of the way.

How is fault determined in a motorcycle or car accident?

Fault is based on evidence—things like police reports, witness statements, accident reconstruction, and sometimes even video footage. Insurance companies will often try to place blame on the injured person to reduce payouts. My job is to gather the facts, prove liability, and make sure responsibility falls where it belongs.

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for my accident case?

At The Barnes Firm, there are no upfront costs. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so you never have to worry about paying out-of-pocket while you’re trying to heal.

How long will my accident case take?

It depends on the details of your case. Some cases settle in just a few months, while others that go to trial may take longer. The most important thing is making sure you’ve fully recovered and that we pursue the maximum compensation you deserve rather than rushing a settlement.

One of the most challenging parts of personal injury law is seeing how devastating accidents can be for clients and their families. In many cases, people are facing not only serious physical injuries, but also financial stress, medical bills, and emotional trauma—all at once. Insurance companies often make things even harder by trying to minimize or deny valid claims.

What drives me through those challenges is knowing I can level the playing field. At The Barnes Firm, we have the experience and resources to stand up to big insurers, and I take pride in fighting relentlessly to ensure my clients get the justice and compensation they need to move forward with their lives.

While attending SUNY Buffalo, I began working with Steve Barnes. That experience was pivotal—it showed me the real difference a dedicated personal injury attorney can make in people’s lives. Seeing firsthand how advocacy could help families through their most difficult times inspired me to devote my career to this field. It also cemented my commitment to practicing at The Barnes Firm, where I can continue that mission with the resources and support clients deserve.

Beyond my work representing injured clients, I’m passionate about contributing to the legal community and giving back. I founded Practice Trial San Diego (PTSD), a public speaking and trial skills course designed to help attorneys in the San Diego area strengthen their advocacy and courtroom presence. I also am the volunteer legal advisor for the National Veterans Foundation, where I assist veterans and their families with legal concerns. Both of these roles allow me to use my skills in meaningful ways outside of my day-to-day practice while supporting causes I deeply care about.

What I’d like clients to know is that choosing the right attorney can make a real difference in both the outcome of a case and in how supported they feel throughout the process. At The Barnes Firm, we combine the strength and resources of a large personal injury firm with a client-first approach that treats every individual like family. My commitment is to guide clients through every step, fight relentlessly for their rights, and make sure their voices are heard.

At the end of the day, my greatest reward is knowing that I’ve helped someone move forward after a difficult time and secured the justice they deserve. That’s what drives me every day in this work.