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Barbara  Johnson-Stern Photo
Barbara Johnson-Stern

Meet Attorney Barbara Johnson-Stern

  • Overview
  • Experience
  • Recognition
  • Practice Areas

Barbara Johnson-Stern

Barbara Johnson-Stern is Senior Counsel at The Harris Law Firm who has been practicing family law for over 20 years. She is a passionate advocate with extensive experience handling cases involving children, divorce, and complex finances.

Barbara has dedicated her career to family law because she enjoys helping people through tough times. A child of divorced parents, Barbara saw how her mother benefited from the support of a qualified and compassionate lawyer and was inspired to do the same for clients of her own.

In her practice, Barbara strives to alleviate the stress and confusion clients can feel under the weight of a daunting legal process. Her direct and straightforward approach helps clients define their expectations and understand the law as applied to their case. In addition to thoroughly preparing cases, Barbara places an emphasis on making sure clients understand they are in control on their case and that they are given the necessary time to contemplate her advice so they are never asked to decide important issues on the spot.

Barbara earned her undergraduate degree from Colorado State University and her Juris Doctor from Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law, where she graduated at the top of her class, served as Editor in Chief of the Law Review, and competed in Moot Court. Prior to joining The Harris Law Firm, Barbara served as a Litigation Partner for a divorce and family law practice.

Since May of 1999, and with the exception of a single year early in her career, Barbara has been practicing family law along the Front Range. She has experience handing a range of divorce and family law matters in courts across Denver, Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert, Jefferson, Adams, and Weld Counties, as well as courts in Breckenridge, Durango, and Sterling.

Barbara is admitted to practice law in Colorado and is also a licensed solicitor in the UK, having sat for their equivalent of the bar exam. While working and living in London over a period of years, she represented clients in both financial cases and cases involving children, and refined her skills helping clients untangle complex financial matters.

Barbara grew up mostly in Colorado, and has lived in a number of cities, including NYC and, most recently, London. Outside of the courtroom, she enjoys traveling both in and outside the U.S. with her husband. They enjoy spending time with friends and family, road biking, hiking, and being on the water.

Barb and her husband enjoying their travels in Croatia.

Barbara enjoys traveling! This photo is Barb and her husband enjoying their travels in Croatia.

Memberships & Affiliations

  • Colorado Bar Association
  • Denver Bar Association

Bar & Court Admissions

  • Colorado, 1999
  • UK

Pro Bono

  • Project Angel Heart

Professional Recognition

  • Best Lawyers: Recognized Since 2023
  • Arapahoe County Bar Association Rising Star

Services Handled

Hear From Barbara's Happy Clients

    Exceptional advocate in a complex, high-conflict case
    “I highly recommend Barbara Johnson-Stern. My case was extremely challenging, and she proved to be an outstanding advocate from start to finish. She was able to confidently take on a “bulldog” opposing attorney while remaining professional, strategic, and exceptionally well-prepared. She knows the law, stands her ground, and presents with credibility and confidence in court. Throughout the entire process she was responsive, accessible, and fully engaged in the case. I have worked with many professionals over the years, and her level of preparation, integrity, and effectiveness truly stood out. If you are facing a difficult legal situation and want someone who will advocate for you with skill, professionalism, and results, you will be in excellent hands.”
    - M.L.
    The outcome was better than I could have imagined
    “Barbara was highly engaged and took the time to understand the complexities of my case. The outcome was better than I could have imagined. The staff was very professional and quick to respond when urgent matters arose. I would highly recommend.”
    - Joshua
    I really appreciate the time they took on my case
    “Barbara Stern and Julie Jay are phenomenal! I really appreciate the time they took on my case especially because the whole thing was accelerated. I highly recommend Harris Family Law and these two amazing women for any family law needs you might have.”
    - Olivia
    She was extremely professional, understanding, knowledgeable
    “I had the opportunity to work with Barbara Johnson-Stern. She was extremely professional, understanding, knowledgeable, and did a phenomenal job representing me and my children's needs. I highly recommend her and the Harris Law Firm. Barb exceeded my expectations.”
    - Cameron

Contact Us

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