A History of Growth & Special Needs Advocacy

From Adversaries to Partners

Barger & Gaines formed when two former adversaries decided to combine their legal expertise to assist families in disputes with public school districts.  Paul Barger and Lori Gaines met in 2007, when Mr. Barger represented New Jersey public school districts and Ms. Gaines had a case against one of his clients.  Despite being on opposite sides, they recognized their shared interest in reaching favorable outcomes for all involved.  Seven years later, after Mr. Barger began to represent families, Ms. Gaines joined him and the two have worked as a team to help families advocate for appropriate educational programs and services for children.

Nationwide Advocacy

Since forming in 2014, Barger & Gaines established offices in New York and New Jersey. In 2018, the firm expanded to Michigan and the following year opened a new office in Connecticut. In five short years, Barger & Gaines grew from just two partners to a firm with eight attorneys, an advocate, and a dedicated staff, all united in a most worthwhile focus — advocating for individuals with special needs and for all matters that impact students.

A Growing Family

In January 2019, Barger & Gaines acquired the Reussille Law Firm, which traces its beginning to 1861, when John S. Applegate, Sr. was admitted to the New Jersey Bar. He headed Applegate & Nevius and Applegate & Hope before his son, John S. Applegate, Jr., joined with his father to form John S. Applegate & Son.  After his father’s death in 1916, John S. Applegate, Jr., continued to practice law at 34 Broad Street in Red Bank, New Jersey. In 1927, Mr. Applegate joined with William Stevens, William Foster, Lester Leonard and Leon Reussille, Jr., to form Applegate, Stevens, Foster, Leonard & Reussille.  Martin M. Barger joined the firm in 1965.  In 1996, the firm changed its name to Reussille, Mausner, Carotenuto, Barger & Steel, and, in 2011, soon after the retirements of noted Red Bank attorneys Milton A. Mausner and Samuel Carotenuto, became known as Reussille Law Firm.  Barger & Gaines is proud to continue the legacy of one of New Jersey’s original, and most well-respected law firms.