Russ represents fiduciaries, such as bankruptcy trustees and receivers, banks, credit unions, other financial groups, and significant creditors and shareholders in domestic matters. His current and previous clients consist of Chapter 7, 12, and 13 Trustees, creditors’ committees, insurance carriers, and financial institutions, including the largest auto finance companies in the world. Russ is an experienced trial lawyer and practices before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and Bankruptcy Appellate Panel. Russ serves as a panel Chapter 7 Trustee for the Western District of Washington and, from time to time, has served from as a Chapter 11 Trustee and state court Receiver.
A recognized contributor in bankruptcy and commercial litigation issues, Russ speaks on bankruptcy and litigation topics around the country for the National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees, American Bankruptcy Institute, National Business Institute, Oregon State Bar, Washington State Bar, and Hawaii Bankruptcy Bar.
Russ is a director on the Board for the National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees and a Committee Member of the Executive Committee for the Washington State Bar Creditor-Debtor Section.
Russ is a former Ninth Circuit Lawyer Representative from the Western District of Washington, a former Trustee for the Federal Bar Association in the Western District of Washington, and a former member of the Oregon State Bar Debtor-Creditor executive committee. Russ also helped to form the Oregon State Bar New Lawyers Division and served on the ABA-YLD team.
Russ received his B.A. from the University of Oregon and his J.D. from Willamette University in 1988 where he served as a member of the Law Review and as an author.
Russ has a Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent® Attorney rating, the highest possible rating for an attorney for both ethical standards and legal ability. He is also recognized as a top-rated lawyer in both Oregon and Washington by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers.
Outside of practicing law, Russ is an active volunteer for several non-profit organizations. A distinguished Scoutmaster, Venturing Crew Advisor, District Commissioner, and District Chair, Russ promotes youth development for young men and women through the scouting program and high adventure. Russ promoted Co-ed Venturing crews shortly after the program began and was the advisor for multiple co-ed crews at Philmont. Russ also serves as an Assistant Section Manager for the National Association for Amateur Radio’s Oregon Section.