Barri was born in New York City on January 9, 1956 and received her bachelor of science degree from Cornell University in 1977. She earned her J.D. from Boston University School of Law in 1980. Following law school, Barri became Assistant District Attorney and tried jury cases with the Kings County District Attorney's Office in Brooklyn, New York. She now handles liability defense cases, as well as a wide range of general litigation matters.

After living for a number of years in the coastal community of Ogunquit, Barri and her family have relocated closer to the Portland area. They spend their spare time cheering for their two sons at their soccer games and foot races.