Curriculum Vitae
General Inquiries
For any questions regarding a case before Judge Russo, contact Judge Russo's Courtroom Deputy at the number above.
Rule 16 Conferences
Judge Russo sets telephone Rule 16 scheduling conferences after either all defendants have appeared or had an order of default entered against them. Local Rules 16-2(b) and 26-1 require that counsel confer prior to the conference. Ahead of the conference, the parties shall submit their formal joint Rule 26(f) Report and Discovery Plan. At the conference, counsel should be prepared to discuss the status of the case, relevant dates and deadlines, and any other significant issues. The parties are strongly encouraged to consider consenting, particularly if a firm trial date is desired.
Discovery Issues
To save time and attorney fees, Judge Russo prefers to resolve discovery disputes informally. If the parties have a dispute they should email a brief summary of the dispute to Judge Russo’s Courtroom Deputy. If the dispute cannot be resolved by email correspondence, Judge Russo will schedule a telephonic hearing.
Expectations for the Resolution of Civil Cases
Judge Russo expects the vast majority of civil cases to be tried within 18 months of the date of filing. At a Rule 16 conference, case management dates will be set with this expectation in mind. Any subsequent motion seeking an extension of time should be filed no less than seven days before the existing deadline.
Summary Judgment Motions
Judge Russo strongly encourages parties to only seek summary judgment on issues that clearly involve no question of material fact or that raise significant dispositive legal issues, so as to avoid unnecessarily delaying the resolution of the case, and wasting client’s money and the court’s resources. Accordingly, the moving party’s argument in favor of summary judgment should be well supported by citations to the record, which should be either to the paragraph numbers of affidavits and declarations, or to the page number of any deposition excerpts.
Oral Argument
Judge Russo does not automatically schedule oral argument upon request. The parties will be contacted if, after reviewing the briefing, Judge Russo believes oral argument will be helpful in resolving the motion.
Hyperlinks
The court strongly encourages counsel to hyperlink the cases they cite in their briefs. For more information, see Section 5 of the CM/ECF User Manual.
Pro Hac Vice
Attorneys admitted pro hac vice and their Oregon counsel should read and be familiar with the court’s Local Rules and "The Integral Role of Local Counsel in the District of Oregon," Federal Bar Association, Oregon Chapter Newsletter, Summer 2013.
Judge's Copies
Judge Russo expects all CM/ECF Registered Users under Local Rule 5-1(a) to comply with Local Rule 5-8, which provides:
Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, a paper copy, properly fastened pursuant to LR 10-1(f), of the following electronically filed documents, and the Notice of Electronic Filing, must be marked as a "JUDGE'S COPY" and delivered to the Clerk's Office within three business days after the electronic filing: dispositive motions and motions for injunctive relief (including all related documents); and any other documents (including all related documents) that, in the aggregate, are in excess of ten pages (excluding a Social Security Administrative Record).
Additionally, Judge Russo prefers that any Judge's paper copy of a combined filing of two inches or more be placed in three-ring binder with tabs for all documents and exhibits. Paper copies of documents totaling less than two inches shall be stapled if thin enough or otherwise two-hole punched at the top and the pages fastened using a locking metal fastener.
Courtroom Rules
- Pronoun Usage: The parties and counsel are encouraged to advise the Court of their pronouns and honorifics (such as Mx., Ms., or Mr.) either in writing or orally when appearing for conferences, hearings, or trials. Parties and counsel are instructed to address each other in all written documents and court proceedings by those previously identified pronouns and honorifics.
- Mobile devices must be turned off before entering the courtroom.
- Please provide advance notice when you require teleconferencing, intend to utilize the courtroom’s video displays, or have other presentation technology questions.
- Attorneys and parties should conduct themselves with decorum and manners. This is primarily for your own benefit: jurors, courtroom staff, and public observers consistently state that they prefer a civil and collegial relationship between opposing parties and counsel.
Externships
Judge Russo accepts applications for judicial externships. Externships provide law students a unique opportunity to learn how judges preside over cases and make decisions. Applicants must have a good work ethic and a demonstrated to commitment to developing as a legal writer. Submit a cover letter, resume, law school transcript (unofficial is fine), writing sample (no more than five pages double-spaced; excerpts are fine), and the names of three references to: . Hiring is commenced annually for the upcoming academic year each February; however, applications will be considered at any time.