Law Office of Lance A. Russell
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Firm Overview
I established my firm in 1997 after working for a family law firm in San Francisco for almost fifteen years. My firm handles family law matters exclusively. We provide legal representation in court litigation. We also represent clients in mediation and act as the neutral role of mediator based on the agreement of the parties. Our firm is somewhat unique in that we provide not only representation at the trial court level, but also in all of the appellate courts. Many prominent family law attorneys have hired our firm to consult with them about appellate matters and to represent their clients in the courts of appeal.
We strive to settle all of our cases fairly and with the least amount of stress on the client. In our practice, we represent clients from all walks of life and financial situations in many different capacities. As a litigator in both the trial and appellate courts, I represent and advocate the interests of my clients, their children and their loved ones. As a mediator, I do not represent anyone, but facilitate and empower the parties to achieve a resolution on their own.
The types of cases that I handle on a regular basis involve issues of division of assets, spousal support, child support, child custody and visitation including interstate matters, annulments, domestic violence, restraining orders and premarital/post marital agreements. In my practice, I handle a wide variety of cases in many different capacities. As a litigator in both the trial and appellate courts, I represent and advocate the interests of my clients, their children and their loved ones. As a mediator, I do not represent anyone, but facilitate and empower the parties to achieve a resolution on their own.
I am attorney of record for two published leading California Court of Appeal family law cases: (a) Marriage of King and Eben-King (2000) 80 Cal. App. 4th 92 and (b) Marriage of Pearlstein (2006 ) 137 Cal. App. 4th 1361.
Main
4040 Civic Center Drive
Suite 200
San Rafael
CA
94903
- (415) 492-9052
- (415) 492-9053
Fees
Yes - twenty minute telephone or office consultation.
I charge by the hour, but also offer clients the option of a fixed price for the preparation of Pre-Marital and Post Marital Agreements.
$300/hr for non-Nolo clients
$285/hr for Nolo clients
Office Information
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
After hours by appointment.
Yes
None
How did your firm decide on the primary area of practice(s)?
Family law affords me the opportunity to work directly with people to assist them in resolving their legal problems.
Appellate law provides me with the chance to further pursue my sense of justice, and to create new law through case decisions. The analysis of legal issues and the presentation of arguments to support them, which is the cornerstone of appellate practice, provides invaluable knowledge that I am able to use with all of my clients.
What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I strongly encourage clients to educate themselves about the legal issues of their particular matter. The more knowledgeable the clients are, the more informed they will be about asking questions and making important decisions.
Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I will always review documents prepared by clients and answer any questions that they may have. In many instances, clients can reduce their costs by preparing documents and gathering information on their own, so I encourage clients to be as proactive as they want to be.
Is your firm willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I will gladly coach or consult with clients who want to represent themselves.
Lance Russell
Prior to coming to California in 1984, I worked as an Assistant Attorney General for the New York State Department of Law. I also worked for the New York State Bar Association to implement legal rights and responsibilities programs into the public school curriculum for high school students.
In 1997, I was stricken with a life threatening case of lymphoma. I endured a year of grueling treatment including a bone marrow transplant. As a cancer survivor, I have learned a deep sense of gratitude and compassion for every day of life, which I strive to impart to each of my clients. There are many similarities between cancer patients and people going through a divorce. I have found that clients appreciate the insights I have gained and the focus that it brings to what is really important in their lives.
Legally, my strengths are my experience in mediation, trial court and appellate matters, my dedication to my clients, and my commitment to detail. I am able to analyze complex matters and explain the issues presented to clients and to the courts in plain language.
Personally, my strengths are my ability to communicate openly and honestly with my clients, and my determination to guide them compassionately and successfully through an extremely difficult period in their lives. Litigation cases require a balancing of many issues. As a family law attorney, I wear many hats including lawyer, counselor, therapist, and sometimes just someone who will listen. When children are involved, the emotional aspects of any family law case are heightened. Mediation, on the other hand, is a less stressful proceeding and affords the opportunity for the parties to communicate with one another. In litigation, most communication is done through the attorneys and the court.
First and foremost is my family. In addition, I am a composer, musician, producer and songwriter. I have recorded CDs of my own songs, as well as musical therapy programs for cancer patients and people going though traumatic experiences in their lives. I have taught music and song to children and performed at schools. The harmony that is the basis of all music is a guiding force in both my personal and my professional life.
- Bar Number: 113205
California , 1984
- Georgetown University Law Center
J.D. , 1974
Washington, DC
Family Law and Litigation - Duke University
B.A. , 1971
Durham, NC
Law and Legal History - Georgetown University Law Center
J.D. , 1974
Washington, DC
Family Law and Litigation - Duke University
B.A. , 1971
Durham, NC
Law and Legal History
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