Michael N. Russo, Jr.
Partner
Michael N. Russo, Jr. specializes in real estate title litigation, insurance law, and general civil, commercial, and business law. His diverse clientele includes real property title insurance companies, general liability insurers, self-insured entities, financial institutions, and small to medium-sized businesses seeking comprehensive legal guidance and business planning. Michael also represents individuals involved in business and real property disputes and various legal matters.
Mr. Russo began his career as a Law Clerk to the Honorable H. Chester Goudy, Jr. of the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County and has been in private practice since 1989. He is actively engaged in numerous professional and civic organizations within his industry and community. Additionally, he has served as a presenter and instructor for continuing legal education courses and has completed the Northwestern University Mediation Training Program, earning certification as a mediator. Michael is admitted to practice law in Maryland, the District of Columbia, New York, and Virginia, as well as in several federal trial and appellate courts.
Practice Areas
- Business Law
- Real Estate Law
- Civil Litigation
- Title Litigation
- Banking & Finance
- Insurance
Bar / Court Admissions
- Maryland, 1988
- District of Columbia, 1990
- New York, 2000
- Virginia, 2018
Professional Associations
- District of Columbia Land Title Association (DCLTA) – Past President
- American Land Title Association (ALTA)
- Title Counsel
- Claims Administration Committee
- American Bar Association
- TIPS Section
- Title Litigation Committee
- Maryland Land Title Association – Past Member Board of Directors,
- Chair Agency Committee
- Maryland State Bar Association
- Section Council to the Business Law Section (Representative, 2002-2004)
- District of Columbia Bar Association
- New York State Bar Association
- Virginia State Bar Association
Education
- Catholic University of America School of Law (J.D., 1988)
- Lafayette College (B.A., 1985)
Honors / Awards
- What’s Up? Annapolis Magazine Leading Lawyer in Real Estate Law 2016-2021
- Super Lawyers – 2019-2024
Community Involvement
- Maryland Affordable Housing Association (MAHT) – Trustee (Governor Appointed)
- Leadership Anne Arundel – Flagship Class of 2001; Board Member 2021 to present
- Arts Council of Anne Arundel County – Board of Directors, Past President; Board Member 2013 to 2021; President 2018 to 2020
- United Way of Central Maryland, Community Partnership Board of Anne Arundel County – Past Member of the Board of Directors
- Volunteer Center for Anne Arundel County, a non-profit association “Helping People Volunteer” – Board of Directors 2003-2009
Representative Matters
- Represented National and Regional Title Insurance Underwriters in broad coverage and claims matters with exposures over one hundred million dollars.
- Represented buyers and sellers in the sale of apartment buildings in the District of Columbia including compliance with the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (“TOPA”).
- Represented Condominium Builders and Unit Owners in warranty and construction litigation.
- Represented settlement companies in business management, ALTA Best Practices and their relationships with their customers and underwriters.
- Represented franchised automobile dealers in their relationships with their customers, government regulators, business practices, franchisors, and lenders.
- Represented automobile financial institutions in developing their regulatory compliance program, defending against claims of lender liability and commercial enforcement litigation.
- Represented buyers and sellers in Real Estate transactions and litigation.
- Represented individuals and small companies in business organization, start up and management issues.
Speaking / Teaching Engagements
- “Navigating Cyber Insurance” – ALTA Springboard Bootcamp Meeting, American Land Title Association (ALTA) Raleigh, North Carolina (April 2018); Chicago, Illinois (April 2019)
- “Make Business Practices Insurance Work for You” – Annual Meeting, American Land Title Association (ALTA) Los Angeles, California (October 2018)
- “On Trial: The Non-Compliant Settlement Agent.” – ALTA Springboard Bootcamp Meeting, American Land Title Association (ALTA) (Indianapolis, IN (2016)
“My primary focus is on understanding the unique needs of each client. Every business is different, and it’s my job to listen carefully, and provide a plan that gets them to their end goal so they can grow and protect their business.”
