Russell’s practice focuses on litigation of business and real estate disputes. He also represents both employees and employers in employment matters, including employment discrimination and wage claims. Russell’s representative clients include business owners, commercial real estate developers, landlords, home owners, employees and independent contractors.
He has successfully tried cases to juries, judges, arbitrators, and governmental agencies representing both plaintiffs and defendants. He has also successfully defended and appealed cases in both state and federal courts.
In addition, Russell serves as an At-Large Governor of the Washington State Bar Association Board of Governors, which is the governing body of the practice of law in Washington State. Russell is a barrister member of the Honorable Robert J. Bryan American Inn of Court and previously served as a Trustee of the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association and President of the Young Lawyers Section of the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association.
Representative Matters
Business
Represented a lender in an action against a real estate developer who refused to repay the loan and fraudulently transferred the developed property to a shell LLC. Obtained an $11.5 million judgment against the developer and shell LLC and collected the entire judgment.
Represented an investor in a securities fraud case in a jury trial against an apartment complex developer who misrepresented the investment. Obtained a judgment of over $4 million. Successfully defended the judgment on appeal. Newcomer v. Cohen, 199 Wn. App. 1003 (2017) (unpublished).
Represented an LLC member in a case against the manager for misrepresentations in connection with a hotel investment. Negotiated a $1.9 million settlement.
Represented the seller of a bicycle store chain in defending an action brought by the buyer of the business who alleged misrepresentation in the sale. Obtained dismissal on summary judgment and an award of all fees and costs incurred.
Defended owners of Seattle hookah lounges in an action alleging a violation of the Smoking in Public Places Act. Negotiated a settlement imposing rules and procedures that allowed the business to stay open.
Obtained numerous arbitration awards and judgments in favor of contractors in actions for breach of contract for non-payment.
Employment
Represented an executive of a large health care organization. Negotiated a favorable confidential settlement in connection with employment separation.
Represented an employee of a large seafood distributer in an action for wrongful termination after reporting harassment. Negotiated a $110,000 settlement.
Represented employees of a sandwich chain in an action for non-payment of wages for failure to allow required breaks. Obtained a favorable confidential settlement.
Represented an employee of the Liquor Control Board in a breach of contract case following the implementation of Initiative 1183, which closed state-run liquor stores. Obtained a favorable confidential settlement.
Real Property
Represented a concrete supplier in an action to enforce a claim of lien, and obtained reversal of the trial court in a decision that created new law in Washington for construction liens.CalPortland Co. v. LevelOne Concrete LLC, 180 Wn. App. 379, 321 P.3d 1261 (2014).
Represented a land owner who lost his property in an equity skimming scheme. Obtained an arbitration award in favor of land owner returning the full value of his investment. Successfully defended the arbitration award on appeal. Omer v. Anco Investments, LLC, 167 Wn. App. 1022 (2012) (unpublished).
As a Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of Oregon, Represented the Public Utility Commission of Oregon in an action to enforce a foreign judgment through foreclosure of Washington real property. Obtained full payment on the judgment.