Practice Areas
As a partner in the firm, Mr. Russo concentrates on Civil Litigation in such areas as automobile accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, roadway defects, landlord tenant matters, commercial matters, environmental litigation, employment matters, estate disputes, contracts, premises liability, products liability and personal injury in general. A portion of his practice is devoted to civil rights matters, where the constitutional rights of individuals have been infringed upon by the government including police brutality, freedom of speech, etc. Mr. Russo has also been involved in, and successfully resolved, several wrongful death matters.
In addition to civil matters, Mr. Russo concentrates a large portion of his practice in the areas of Estate Planning and Estate Administration. Mr. Russo has provided clients with Estates in the multimillion dollar range, comprehensive Estate Plans specifically individualized to maximize on the financial future of the beneficiaries of their loved ones while minimizing the future taxation impact of State and Federal Estate Taxes. In that regard, Mr. Russo has extensive knowledge in drafting complex Estate Plans, including Trusts, Wills, advanced healthcare directives, and Powers of Attorney. Mr. Russo has also provided representation for Estate Administration, in both small and multimillion dollar Estates, and assists loved ones through the probate process during a difficult time.
Education
Mr. Russo was born and raised in the Phillipsburg area and graduated from Phillipsburg High School in 2000. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA in 2004, and graduated cum laude and with distinction from the University's Honor Society.
Mr. Russo received his law degree from Penn State University Law School in Carlisle, PA. He graduated from law school Cum Laude in 2007 and was inducted into the Woolsack Honor Society, allocated to students who graduate in the top 15% of their class. While attending law school, Mr. Russo excelled through all levels of Mock Trial and Advocacy. In his last year of law school, Mr. Russo received the coveted International Academy of Trial Lawyers Award. This award was bestowed upon the two student team with the best performance in the highest level advocacy program offered by the law school.
Community Involvement
Since 2007, Mr. Russo has volunteered his time to the Phillipsburg High School's Mock Trial Team. Each year Mr. Russo works closely with the Team convening on a weekly basis. He has guided the student members in developing an understanding of the legal system and courtroom procedure while building strong advocacy skills in furtherance of the annual statewide mock trial competition. Additionally, Mr. Russo has participated in Law Day created for the local High School students and has been the guest speaker in the High School's American Law class. Mr. Russo has also been the guest speaker on a local radio show, covering topics of Estate Planning and Estate Administration.
Mr. Russo serves as a member of the Board of Professional Advisors for the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation (LVCF). LVCF is a philanthropic organization which manages over 150 charitable funds comprising over 30 Million Dollars in charitable assets solely devoted to the betterment of the Lehigh Valley region. He considers this philanthropic organization very important and it is an honor for him to dedicate his time and expertise to them.
Mr. Russo is particularly proud to be a part of a law firm which encourages and devotes significant time and effort to pro bono work and client's in need, especially in the areas of Estate Planning and the protection and preservation of Constitutional Rights.