Reviews

We have retained Mr Russell and his firm for a variety of legal issues related to Labor & Employment Law. We have used him for matters of representation in Employment Discrimination, Employment Manual vetting, and matters general to a medium sized business. We have found Mr. Russell extremely concientious, knowledgeable, efficient in time management and available.

I own a small software consultancy and we ran into a significant problem with a client that required outside legal support. While we've engaged with many legal teams in the past, this was the first time that we needed a litigation firm that had technical experience. When I reached out to his firm, Charles immediately shared his personal contact information. They explained that they did not use paralegals to contact clients but only for drafting paperwork, so when you speak to them, you always speak directly to an attorney. They explained their billing procedures and ultimately provided detailed billing statements, both of which which were marked changes from prior experiences. They requested a reasonable retention amount up front and sent a bill each month to replenish any used amounts. Throughout the process, Charles was both a brilliant tactician as well as a bold negotiator. He provided a strikingly accurate analysis of the situation and suggested a well-reasoned course of action. His plan was bold and flawlessly executed. There were points where I second-guessed his judgement, and he turned out to be correct at each stage. It was a remarkable process. Charles suggested that I draft responses to each of the proceedings, and then he completely rewrote them. A few potentially inflammatory things he would take out, and instead insert absolutely stunning rejoinders. In many ways, law is a battle of words, and Charles has a marvelous precision and complete mastery of caselaw, legal precepts, and the English language. I've never worked with such a quality attorney and only rarely with a man of such integrity. Each side was probably ready to go to trial, but as Charles pointed out, trial is often a case of diminishing returns where only the lawyers get rich. This litigator advised against litigation. Once appropriate actions were taken, Charles contacted me and suggested refunding the still-substantial balance remaining in the retainer account. The very next day, I received a check via overnight mail with a nice note attached with a full refund and a final, incredibly detailed statement. Things transpired exactly as Charles had predicted. It's certainly not that he took a lucky guess; he's more of a chess player and psychologist, and knew exactly what pressure to exert in the right place. The other side would have to choose our desired outcome because that was the desired outcome for them as well. I'm pleased to have come to know him through this process. Charles, simply, is an amazing lawyer, a brilliant strategist, and a man of honor and integrity. I cannot recommend him highly enough.

Over the last nine years Charlie and his colleagues have comprised the legal team which has thoroughly, professionally and compassionately represented my aggrieved group. The entire story would require well over the 4000 characters allowed here so I will summarize. Charlie is not only thrilled to respond to me when I have a question but he is always completely prepared to answer that question in detail. I have watched Charlie present our arguments in front of the some of the most important courts in the United States (9th Circuit and CA Supremes) and I have been thrilled and amazed as his grasp of the facts and his articulation of the arguments. I have been privileged to be the beneficiary of his ability to respond to questions from the bench and adeptness at adapting to challenges from the opponents as well as his ability to handle the same questions when confronting the press. Having Charlie and Callahan Thompson Sherman & Caudill, LLP as my firm has been a true blessing.