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Karen D. Russell
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Karen D. Russell
Mediation and Collaborative Practice Office of Karen D. Russell
1585 The Alameda
San Jose, CA 95126
Phone: (408) 971-7172 | Fax: (408) 971-7176
http://www.kdrlaw.com/home.html
NO COURT! Collaborative Practice & Mediation ONLY
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
I only handle Mediation and Collaborative matters so any new clients should be ready to resolve all matters outside of the court process.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Child Support
- Custody
- Marriage
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
I only handle Mediation and Collaborative matters so any new clients should be ready to resolve all matters outside of the court process.
Sub-Categories
Divorce
- Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
- Annulment
Bar Admissions
CA, Dec 1984
Bar Number: 116552
Specialty Certifications
None.
Other Court Admissions
Federal District Courts in California as well as the California Appellate and Supreme Courts
Association Memberships
State Bar of California and Santa Clara County Bar Association
Continuing Education
I teach Collaborative Practice to other lawyers, I teach Collaborative Practice at Santa Clara University when they offer the course. I attend other seminars in the Mediation and Collaborative fields.
Papers and Publications
Yes, "Living in Spirit", Collaborative Review
Example Cases
I regularly handle divorce cases that are complex either in terms of assets or personal dynamics. I am very skilled in communication techniques.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctorate
School:
Santa Clara University School Of Law
City:
Santa Clara
State:
CA
Year:
1984
Degree:
Bachelors in Political Science
School:
University of California
City:
Santa Barbara
State:
CA
Year:
1976
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
My focus now is on practicing and promoting Collaboration and Mediation as alternatives to litigation in divorce proceedings. I absolutely do not support going to court as a means of going through what is already a difficult and painful experience for you and your family. My focus is to help you understand the legal system and the law as it relates to Dissolution of Marriage, to provide support, counsel and advice to you and let you make your own decisions. I am here to guide you through the process and let YOU make the important decisions that will affect the rest of your life as well as your children's.
Previous Employment Summary
I was previously in partnership with Rudolph G. Kraft, Jr. in the firm of Kraft & Drury from 1986 to 1995.
Activities and Awards
I served as President of the Collaborative Law Association in 1997 and 1998. I served again as President in 2001. I have conducted trainings of Collaborative lawyers out of California. I was one of the founding Board members of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals and I am a team attorney with Collaborative Alternatives in Cupertino.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I support it wholeheartedly. Clients need to acquire as much information as possible so they can make fully informed and reasoned decisions regarding their lives and circumstances.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I will review documents prepared by clients in a Mediated setting only.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I do not go to court at all so I would not coach clients who are going to court. I would be happy to coach others.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I became a lawyer because I was a paralegal first and I found my career opportunities limited without a JD degree.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I almost quit the practice of law altogether a few years ago. I had a vocational evaluation done and found my ideal jobs to be in Law, Teaching and the Ministry. So, I quit going to court, I teach other lawyers and my practice is my ministry. I believe it is an act of violence to take already wounded souls in to the court process and I will do all I can to help families in crisis by working with them in a holistic manner.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
It was an area where I could have contact with real people and be of service to them.
What do you like best about your career?
I have followed my own path and conscience. My life is in balance and I am happy being in service to others in a meaningful and productive manner.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a sole practitioner and I do all of my own work. I have a reduced hourly rate for times I am doing what other offices would charge as paralegal time.
What are your strengths and style?
I am very efficient and I don't waste time or money. I am very open, empathetic and supportive. I listen well and am a good communicator.
Personal Interests:
I hike, I sing A cappella four part harmony in the Barbershop style and am a member of Sweet Adelines. I knit and do needlework. I like the water and nature in almost all forms (no snakes or bugs thank you!) I want to write a book about Mothers and Daughters.
Fax
(408) 971-7176
Office Hours
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 3:00
Emergency After Hours
No
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
No.
Hourly Rates
Currently $350 per hour. I change my rate in the late summer each year.
Free Initial Consultation?
No.
Typical Retainer
Yes, I charge $5,000 for Collaborative matters and $3,000 for Mediated matters. When half is expended, the trust account must be replenished. These are not flat fees.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
