Monthly Feature: Get to Know... Eugene R. Barnosky
September 2, 2025
Rather than speaking about himself, Gene Barnosky prefers to talk about his values, inspirations, and, above all, his family, of whom he is immensely proud.
Gene believes deeply in the transformative power of education, particularly what he calls “the old-school classic liberal arts education.” A Brooklyn native and the son of a New York City firefighter and a retail bakery worker, Gene was raised in a modest, hardworking household alongside his two older brothers. Though material comforts were few, the Barnosky family was rich in intelligence, athletic talent, and an unwavering work ethic—all rooted in love and a deep commitment to serving others.
Gene’s academic aptitude earned him a place at Regis High School, the nation’s most prestigious Catholic high school. Founded in 1914, Regis provides a tuition-free, merit-based Jesuit liberal arts education to young men with demonstrated ability. The experience was demanding. Gene undertook a daily four-hour round-trip commute to the Upper East Side of Manhattan. “It was arduous both academically and physically, and militaristic in its sense of decorum,” he recalls. He studied Latin for four years at Regis and remains a staunch advocate of the language. “Latin teaches a way of thinking and organizing that is the hallmark of a classical liberal arts education,” he says. “It continues to inform the decisions I make in both my work and my life.”
Despite the rigors of his academics and travel, he captained the basketball team and competed in the city’s Catholic league—an early indication of his drive and leadership.
While Regis provided a direct path to Fordham University, Gene was determined to take a route less traveled. Alongside a close high school chum who remained a lifelong friend, he visited Colgate University—and was immediately sold. Once on campus, he immersed himself in the Philosophy and Religion department as well as student government and the concert committee, helping to produce performances by Bonnie Raitt, Randy Newman, Santana, and Procol Harum.
Gene intentionally avoided academic specialization, choosing instead to take courses outside his comfort zone. “I never wanted a sub-specialization,” he explains. “I purposely took classes I’d never use again—wild courses across many disciplines—just for the exposure. Education is what remains after you’ve forgotten everything you learned in school. It’s about training your mind to think. Law is as much about methodology and perspective as it is about substance.”
After earning his J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law, Gene briefly joined his brother at Farrell Fritz before moving to the three-partner firm Cahn, Wishod & Wishod. There, he played a key role in growing the firm to 35 attorneys with Paul Lamb, who later became his co-managing partner at the firm Lamb & Barnosky. Over the years, Gene has identified and mentored many talented attorneys—several of whom have gone on to join Bond.
With a wide-ranging legal background, Gene has developed particular expertise in municipal, education, zoning and labor law. At Bond, he continues to work extensively with school districts and BOCES clients, and has served as village attorney for two Suffolk County villages. He is also a frequent lecturer for the Suffolk and Nassau County Academies of Law and the New York State School Boards Association. He is working to expand his land use and zoning practice which is a natural adjunct to his municipal experience.
“I thrive on connecting with people, particularly meeting someone face-to-face and working through their challenges,” he says. “While other practice areas are more lucrative, school law presents new challenges involving children every day. It’s grounded in real people and real problems. You can’t possibly have all the answers, but you can learn how to spot the issues, ask the right questions, and navigate toward a solution.”
He continues, “What I enjoy most about practicing law is problem-solving. I wear many hats and have longstanding relationships—both institutional and personal. I think what I do best is listen closely and distill complex, multifaceted issues into their core components. I’ll often say, ‘Let me put this in my own words,’ to clarify and confirm the key facts. That’s how I drill down to the legal heart of the matter.”
Gene and his wife, Kathy, have raised four children and are now joyfully watching their family grow with grandchildren. “We were very structured and disciplined in raising our kids,” Gene says. “We set high expectations and instilled a strong work ethic. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the results. Spending time with our children and grandchildren is a top priority in our lives.
