Barbara J. Duffy

Partner

Seattle

Tel 206.223.7944
Fax 206.223.7107

Barbara Duffy is a member of the firm’s Executive Committee and works closely with the firm’s Elected Board to lead the firm forward, with a focus on innovative service offerings, outstanding client service, and development of talent and growth.

Barb brings extensive experience in complex commercial litigation, health care and regulatory disputes, and class actions. She has handled bench and jury trials in state and federal courts, is highly experienced in arbitration, and advises national and local clients on False Claims Act issues, qui tam cases, investigations, and class action defense. As a senior litigator and trusted advisor, she understands that delivering exceptional legal and business advice goes hand in hand with responsiveness and clear communication. Barb excels at keeping clients informed, empowered, and fully aware of developments that impact their business.

Services

Experience

Representative Matters

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-01105, U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington, Seattle, 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 SEA, King County Superior Court, Seattle, 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-00097RAJ, U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington, Seattle, Washington
Represented client Premera Blue Cross in a Washington Mental Health Parity Act and consumer protection matter
WHCA v. Dreyfus, Case No. WL 2432005, U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington, Seattle, 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. 0703-03248, Multnomah 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 health care 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-RBL, U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
Represented the Washington Health Care Association 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 Highlights

Professional Activities

Lane Powell, President, 2019-2024; Board of Directors; Former Litigation Department Director

American Health Lawyers Association (AHLA), Chair, Program Committee for Long-Term Care and the Law, Chair; Long-Term Care, Senior Housing, In-Home Care, and Rehabilitation Practice Group, Former Chair

American Health Care Association Legal Committee (AHCA), Co-Chair, 2019-2020; Chair, 2014-2018

King County Bar Foundation, Trustee, 2019-2024

Recognition & Accomplishments

Chambers USA: General: Commercial Litigation, 2018-2024; Health Care, 2020-2024

Benchmark Litigation, “Litigation Star,” 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

Speaking Engagements

“Welcome and Introduction,” American Health Law Association, March 1, 2023

“Women Who Lead: In Law,” Puget Sound Business Journal, July 28, 2022

“Long-Term Care and the Law,” American Health Law Association, February 23, 2022

Board Memberships & Community Service

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

Washington Health Care Association (WHCA), Outside General Counsel

Oregon Health Care Association

Related Insights

Press Release

Ballard Spahr and Lane Powell Finalize Combination

Credentials

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 for the Eastern and Western Districts of Washington

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit