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PRO
also known as Bill Barner
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Attorney Barner has worked in criminal justice for 25 years. He is a former prosecutor and former President and Board member of the Broward Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Additionally, he is a Trial Advocacy professor at Nova Southeastern University, and has presented countless Continuing Legal Education seminars to the Broward Public Defender's Office, the Broward Bar Association, Palm Beach Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Broward Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Monroe County Bar Association.
Barner has successfully represented individuals in Federal Criminal, State Criminal, and Immigration courtrooms throughout Florida and the U.S. He has also counseled foreign nationals from over 30 different countries on both criminal and immigration issues. Moreover, he has advised State congressmen and countless criminal defense attorneys on legal issues.
A recipient of two “Client’s Choice Awards,” Barner handles every case with individual care and treats every client with dignity. He has appeared in Sun-Sentinel, The Defender (a magazine published by the Florida Assn. of Criminal Defense Lawyers), AILA’sVOICE Magazine, The Ring Magazine, 1320AM’s The Law you Need to Know, and 1580 AM’s Ambiance Radio. Barner has also lectured at numerous local schools and universities, including NOVA Southeastern University, Florida International University’s Forensic Science Panel, Keiser University, Everest, Broward’s Police Athletic League, Comedy Fix Traffic School, and Boca Bay DUI School.
Always in the know as to breaking changes in immigration law, Barner was a party to a White House briefing with senior officials from the Obama Administration in advance of the President’s 2014 announcement regarding deferred action.
Before going into private practice, Mr. Barner tried jury and bench trials at the Canton City Prosecutor's Office and was later appointed by Mike Satz as Assistant State Attorney in Broward County. He was both a trial attorney and a case filer [the attorney filing official charges in a criminal case], working in both the Misdemeanor Trial Unit (handling criminal and traffic offenses) and the Felony Trial Unit. Attorney Barner has tried cases before Broward jurors ranging from traffic offenses to such felonies as kidnapping, drug dealing, and attempted murder. Additionally, Attorney Barner was recognized as a Convictor of Habitual Offenders when he was a prosecutor.
Prior to working as a Prosecutor in Broward County, Mr. Barner went to law school at the University of Akron [Ranked Top 10 by U.S. News and World Report for Trial Advocacy] where he received top marks in Trial Advocacy, a Board of Trustees Scholarship, acted as a Student Mentor, and was voted President of Phi Delta Phi, an International Legal Fraternity with a focus on charitable work. Further, Attorney Barner became certified in legal research by both Lexis Nexis and Westlaw.
"I work every case tirelessly and treat every client with dignity." - R. William Barner III
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Practice Areas
17 years | 2,000 cases
17 years | 2,000 cases
We have not found any cost information for this lawyer
State: Florida
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
Mobile
612 SE 5th Ave. Suite 6, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33301
BarnerLegal.com
Other places you can find R. William online.
Showing 1 - 5 of 38 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by John | October 5, 2025 | Hired Attorney
I've known Attorney Barner for 20 years, and we were law school classmates together. He was by far the most talented and successful student in all of our trial advocacy courses. I practice in Pittsburgh, and a lot of my clients winter in Southeast Florida where they have friends and family. A few tim...
Posted by Ashley | October 4, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
Bill’s expertise in criminal defense has created him as the go to when it comes to the intersection of criminal defense and immigration. Individually, he is competent and an advocate in both arenas.
Posted by Debbie | October 2, 2025 | Hired Attorney
My husband was unjustly charged with a federal crime and attorney Barner refused every plea offer and argued the case in court and got the whole thing dismissed. So thankful he represented my husband!
Posted by anonymous | October 2, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Knowledgeable, responsive, and dependable. I was very impressed with his professionalism and highly recommend Mr. Barner. Easy to talk to, always supportive, and made the whole process less stressful. I couldn’t have asked for a better attorney.
Posted by Sharone | October 2, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Mr Barner is a very organized and professional lawyer,I've worked with him and was 100% satisfied and I would definitely recommend gis service to other clients in the future
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Barner is an excellent legal tactician and trial lawyer. He has tremendous experience and legal knowledge in the areas of criminal and immigration law. When my clients have immigration issues in criminal cases I always call "Bill". He is always at the ready and gives a clear picture as to my clients situation. He is always honest and forthright and treats all of his clients with respect and with the care that they deserve. "Bill" is an outstanding lawyer and person. I trust him implicitly."
"My firm Cohen & Kuvin, LLC is very proud to endorse Mr. Barner. For over 5 years now we have been referring him clients and not one complaint. If your looking for the right Immigration attorney don't even bother looking any further. Mr. Barner communicates with his clients as well his associate attorneys to keep them informed; a great receipt for success."
"I endorse this lawyer. A caring, active and personal attorney who values the attorney - client relationship and always gets results. It is a pleasure to work with Bill"
"I have had the privilege of working alongside Mr. Barner, and I can say without hesitation that he is among the most dedicated and skilled criminal defense attorneys I know. He possess an exceptional command of Florida criminal law and a deep understanding of courtroom strategy, which consistently translates into excellent results for clients. What sets Mr. Barner apart is not only legal knowledge but also professionalism and integrity. He prepares every case thoroughly, advocate passionately, and maintain the highest ethical standards. Judges, prosecutors, and colleagues alike respect Mr. Barner for his sharp litigation skills and calm presence in high-stakes situations."
"Bill Barner is a respected member of the legal community. He has incredible intellect and a unique skill set in that he understands criminal law and immigration law and can navigate clients through complex interrelated legal dilemmas. Many attorneys seek to collaborate with Bill in order to benefit from his expertise. I endorse Bill Barner! He is an asset to the legal community and the clients he serves."
"I know Bill very well and have collaborated with him on criminal matters. He is extremely knowledgeable, attentive to his client's needs and a fierce advocate in the courtroom. Without hesitation, I would recommend him in any criminal matter."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Bill for 15 years. We have worked on many criminal cases together. He is a true professional and always available to consult regarding any issues that have come up during the case. I would highly recommend Bill for a crimianl case."
"I endorse this lawyer. Great legal mind and attention to detail. Highly respected in the field of criminal defense."
"I have known Bill Barner for many years. I wholeheartedly endorse him. He is a former prosecutor and a past president of the Broward Association of Criminal Defense lawyers, and he teaches trial advocacy at Nova Southeastern University. He regularly wins the criminal defense cases that I have referred him."
"I endorse this lawyer. Great legal mind and attention to detail. Highly respected in the field of Immigration."
"When my clients have immigration issues, I do whatever I can to bring Bill Barner into the case. He's the go-to lawyer for immigration/criminal defense crossover cases."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Barner and I have worked on many cases together. Not only is he an excellent criminal-trial lawyer, but he is also the best immigration specialist in the State of Florida. In fact, whenever my client needs expert immigration advice, I refer him/her to Mr. Barner. My clients are always tremendously satisfied with Mr. Barner's advice and counsel. Truly a great legal advocate and a trusted colleague."
"Mr. Barner sets the bar for legal knowledge in the areas of criminal defense and immigration law. When my clients have immigration issues in criminal cases I call "Bill" first. He's always prepared and gives a thorough analysis of my clients' situations. He is always honest and forthright and treats every individual with the respect and dignity they deserve. He is an outstanding lawyer and person. I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Barner is an amazing litigator and trial attorney. I had the pleasure of working along side him as an Assistant State Attorney. He has extensive jury and non jury trial experience in Federal and State court. He has won appeals in Immigration court and has been able to successfully defend numerous individuals facing both criminal and immigration cases. He was recently voted in the top 1% of lawyers nationwide. I have also had the pleasure of watching him lecture at local colleges and coach a high school mock trial team. I highly endorse him and would recommend him to anyone seeking an aggressive, highly skilled and pleasant attorney who goes the extra mile for his clients."
"I had the pleasure of working opposite Bill when he was a prosecutor. I have now had the pleasure of calling him a colleague on the same side of the courtroom and continue to be impressed by his legal knowledge, skill, and zealous advocacy. I endorse this lawyer."
"Bill is an excellent lawyer and person in general. His love for the law and true appreciation for his client's worries are a step above most lawyers that you'll find. I endorse Bill as a colleague and friend, and you should trust him as your counsel."
"I endorse this lawyer. He handles immigration cases for my clients with immigration issues and always does a professional and effective job."
Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Richard "Bill" Barner is a first-class attorney and person. I've observed Bill in the courtroom and working in his office, he is aggressive, smart, and experienced. The care and attention he shows his clients is superb."
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2025
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2024
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Clients Choice Award, AVVO
2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2016
Top 40 Under 40, The National Trial Lawyers
2016
Top Attorneys of North America, Who's Who Directory
2016
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2015
Clients Choice Award, AVVO
2015
Ten Best Attorneys for Florida, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2015
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Top Rated Lawyers, Legal Leaders
2015
Top Attorneys of North America, Who's Who
2012
Clients Choice Award, AVVO
2007
Habitual Felony Offender Convictor, Office of the State Attorney
2019 - Present
Adjunct Professor, Nova Southeasterm University
2015 - Present
Owner / Attorney, Barner Legal P.A.
2015 - 2022
Adjunct Professor, Broward College
2008 - 2015
Partner, Attorney, BarnerRossen PA
2006 - 2008
Assistant State Attorney, Broward State Attorneys Office
2004 - 2006
Legal Intern, Canton Municipal Prosecutor
2023 - Present
Broward Association of Criminal Defense LawyersPast President
2020 - Present
Broward County Bar AssociationMember
2015 - Present
National Association of Distinguished CounselMember
2015 - Present
Florida Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2006 - Present
Florida BarMember
2019 - 2022
Broward Association of Criminal Defense LawyersPresident
2019 - 2019
Broward Association of Criminal Defense LawyersVice President
2017 - 2019
Broward Association of Criminal Defense LawyersSecretary/Treasurer
2015 - 2020
Broward Association of Criminal Defense LawyersBoard of Directors
2008 - 2019
American Immigration Lawyers AssociationMember
2008 - 2019
American Immigration Lawyers Association (Southern Florida chapter)Member
Case dismissed
Motion Granted Sentence Reduced
Motion for Reduced Sentence Granted
Government complied with our demands
Most serious charges dropped
2006
JD - Juris Doctor
2003
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2025
Continuing Legal Education Seminar
2024
Continuing Legal Education Seminar
2023
Continuing Legal Education Seminar
2020
Mentorship and Running a Small Firm
2016
Vacating Criminal Convictions
2015
DUI
2015
CLE: Immigration Consequences of Florida Convictions
2011
Criminal Procedure
2010
Haitian Temporary Protected Status
2010
Criminal Procedure
2010
Forensic Science
2010
Criminal and Immigration Law Issues
2016
2011
2009
English
Creole
French
Spanish
Legal Answers
Can an undocumented immigrant with an expired Driver Licensed arrested because of a moving violation?
13 Mar 2015
How long does a average criminal trial take in Alabama?
12 Mar 2015
Can his 10yr green card be revoked if our marriage was fraud and he provided fraudulent divorce decree and committ bigamy
31 May 2012