Professor Barracato received a B.S.S. in 1962 from Fairfield University and a J.D. in 1965 from the Columbus School of Law, The Catholic University of America. Prior to joining the faculty at the Columbus School of Law in 1970, Professor Barracato was the assistant general counsel of the United States Department of Health, Education and Welfare from 1965-66, and the managing attorney for Neighborhood Legal Services Programs, OEO from 1966-1970. He served as an assistant dean at the Columbus School of Law from 1970 until 1973. In addition, he has been a visiting associate professor at Arizona State University and a visiting professor at Widener University School of Law.

Professor Barracato also serves as faculty advisor, mentor, and coach to the Columbus School of Law's highly successful National Trials Team.