Russ’s law practice focuses primarily on estate planning, probate and trust administration, charitable planning, business and nonprofit organizations, and family-owned enterprises. He serves as Personal General Counsel for many high-net-worth individuals and families, coordinating the services of accountants, financial advisors, insurance professionals, and others.
Over more than four decades of experience, Russ has drafted countless estate plans for client families spanning multiple generations, including numerous taxable estates, and guided them through estate administration after losing a loved one. He is deeply experienced in drafting wills, trusts, powers of attorney, gifting plans, and charitable distributions for estates of all sizes, including with valuations of $100s of millions. His expertise extends to administering trust and probate proceedings for private and corporate trustees and banks.
Additionally, Russ has created, consulted with, and overseen the day-to-day administration of charities, family foundations, and donor advised funds (DAFs). As designated counsel for several national nonprofit organizations, Russ has strategized, planned, and executed complex charitable distributions assuring donor-advantaged objectives are achieved through gifts, trusts, and annuities.
Russ regularly advises businesses, nonprofits, and foundations on legal, policy, and governance matters. His knowledge of best practices for organizations, in particular faith-based entity leadership, has included extensive teaching, writing, publishing, and volunteering in and about such organization’s mission, vision, programs, and activities.