W. Mark Russo mrusso@frlawri.com

An aggressive and tireless representative of his clients in complex litigation matters, Mark has a reputation of treating client’s problems and challenges as his own. His decades of litigation experience has included shareholder disputes, ranging from small, Rhode Island family-owned business conflicts, to ownership disputes involving Paul Mitchell Cosmetology Schools in several different states.

Among his most notable litigation matters, Mark represented Twin River Casino in a landmark case involving property taxes levied on the Twin River Casino. After a full trial on the matter that concluded in favor of Twin River, the matter was resolved through the Rhode Island Supreme Court mediation program in a manner that saved Twin River $5M in property taxes over eight years.

Over the years, Mark’s success in litigation and project development has led to his appointment as a Receiver by the Rhode Island Superior Court in complicated matters involving distressed real estate projects. He has worked closely with various municipalities through the receivership process to secure tax incentive financing, permitting, and other approvals which translate into value for all stakeholders.

Recently, Mark has re-permitted and sold a number of sand and gravel operations/quarries and historic building developments through the receivership process.

Admitted to Bar: Rhode Island, 1989; Massachusetts, 1989; U.S. District Court, District of Rhode Island, 1991; U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts, 1991; U.S. Court of Appeals, First Circuit, 1993; U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, 1993; United States Court of Appeals, 2002; United States Court of Federal Claims, 2002; United States Court of Appeals, District of Columbia, 2006

Education: University of Rhode Island (B.A. 1984); Catholic University of America (J.D. 1988)