Skip to main content

Christopher E. Russell

  Save
Not rated
Avvo Rating10
  • Newport Beach, CA
  • Licensed for 36 years
View more
See more Newport Beach Car Accidents lawyersSearch
AboutContactReviewsCost

About Christopher

I have handled over 6,000 personal injury claims with a 95% success rate over the last 32 years.  We are large enough to have the resources to fight billion dollar insurance companies but small enough to give clients the personal attention they would not get with the Television advertisers who handle claims as if they are herding cattle, never allowing the client to speak to a live attorney. Please go to our website at russellandlazarus.com to view real client testimonials as to the level of service and results we consistently obtain on behalf of of our clients.

Read More

Practice areas

OtherBrain injuryTrucking accidentMotorcycle accidentCar accident
  1. Car accident: 50%

    38 years

  2. Motorcycle accident: 25%

    38 years

  3. Trucking accident: 15%

    38 years

  4. Brain injury: 5%

  1. Wrongful death: 5%

    38 years

Languages spoken

French, Spanish

Photos and videos

254477 1342576589

254477 1351126063

254477 1363638686

254477 1363638777

254477 1363638813

254477 1363638837

254477 1363638945

254477 1363638988

254477 1363639021

Contact

Russell & Lazarus, APC

1401 Dove Street #310
Newport Beach, CA, 92660

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    CAActive198402/11/2021
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers12
    Legal guides2
    Awards
    Award nameGrantorDate granted
    Top Rated Personal Injury Attorney in Newport Beach, CASuper Lawyers2016
    Elite Trial LawyersNational Law Journal2015
    Top 100 Trial LawyersNational Trial Lawyers2015
    OC Top 10 Personal Injury LawyerOC Register Metro Magazine2014
    10/10AVVO2014
    OC Top 10 Personal Injury LawyerOC Register Metro Magazine2013
    Procurred multi million dollar settlementsMillion Dollar Advocates Forum2012
    Work Experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    Managing PartnerRussell & Lazarus, APC1984 - Present
    Principal AttorneySatin & Russell1984 - 1998
    Associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    Better Business BureauAssociate Member2012 - Present
    Consumer Attorneys Association of Los AngelesBoard of Governors2012 - Present
    Orange County Trial Lawyers AssociationAssociate Member1998 - Present
    American Trial Lawyers Association chapterAssociate Member1992 - Present
    Consumer Attorneys of CaliforniaAssociate Member1992 - Present
    Consumer Attorneys Association of Los AngelesAssociate Member1990 - Present
    Publications
    Publication nameTitleDate
    JD SupraMedical Malpractice- The Dirty Little Secret2013
    JD SupraJust a Bunch of Ambulance Chasers2013
    JD SupraProtecting Yourself with Adequate Auto Insurance2013
    JD SupraLapsed Auto Insurance and Prop 2132013
    Level the Playing Field PublicationsHow Smart People Do Dumb Things to Detroy Their Personal Injury Claims2012
    Education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    California Western SOLJD - Juris Doctor1984
    California State University, Long BeachBS - Bachelor of Science1981
    Speaking Engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    Bad Faith Insurance PracticesProposition 1032012
    Know your rightsHad to handle your insurance claim2008
    Career DayWhat it takes to become a lawyer2004
    Legal cases
    Case nameOutcome
    Evans vs. Regan$16,162,429
    Hawkins vs. City of Anaheim$7,200,000
    Please go to russellandlazarus.com for all other results.$0

    Reviews

    (17)
    5 Star
    		100%
    4 Star
    		0%
    3 Star
    		0%
    2 Star
    		0%
    1 Star
    		0%
    Review Christopher Russell

    Amazing care of my health and my case! If you get hurt in a car accident, you want to call Christoper

    Posted by

    Chris not only wants to recover your money, he wants you to get healthy too. He cares about you, your case and always returns calls right away.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Great Service

    Posted by

    Mr. Russell and his team provided great and compassionate service to me and my wife. They answered all questions right away and settled our case with a good end result. I would not hesitate to use them again or refer them to anyone. They are very friendly and knowledgeable and takes the worry out of a difficult situation. Keep up the good work and God Bless. Rich and Wendy Johnson Lancaster, Ca
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    A First Class Team

    Posted by

    The team at Russell and Lazarus transformed a nightmare experience and gave me the ability to move on with my life with comfort and closure. My life was in shambles after being hit head on by a drunk driver. I was stranded without health insurance, a vehicle, or any plan. I had nowhere to turn. Having to get back to work was tough enough, not to mention the stack of medical bills and collection calls were increasing at a rapid rate. I was overwhelmed and breaking down financially, physically, and mentally. I had nowhere to turn and had already accepted that I was going to be forced into filling for bankruptcy. That is when Chris Russell came to the rescue. At a moment’s notice, Chris transformed my incredibly difficult situation into a step by step achievable solution. First, the team focused on my medical needs and allowed me the ability to see Doctors and Medical Specialists who immediately placed me in a rehabilitation process that I had previously thought was unattainable due to my lack of medical insurance. This provided the ability to get back to work and be confident that I was making the correct steps to recuperation. Next, Chris and the team at Russell and Lazarus put a stop to the ongoing collection calls and continuous medical bills that were polluting my life. From the beginning, the team at Russell and Lazarus assured me that everything would be taken care of and allowed me the ability to focus on my personal and professional life. Words cannot express the amount of relief I felt in having the ability to get back to my life and rebuild my confidence to once again go after my goals and dreams. The litigation process during a personal injury claim is long and drawn out. During this period, Chris took the extra time to educate and help me better understand my personal injury claim, as well as the legal proceedings with the criminal conviction of the drunk driver. My hand was held through every step of this extremely tough process. Not once was I left guessing or flying blind throughout the entire multiyear ordeal. With the support of Dani Glidden, Rory Mills, Fenja Klaus, Chris Russell and the entire team at Russell and Lazarus I have finally been able to put this terrible time of my life behind me and focus on moving forward. I never thought that I was going to get through the tough times presented to me after this devastating car accident. Thank you for allowing me the ability to move on with my life!

    A good experience with a good law firm

    Posted by

    Chris Russell and his staff were very helpful with an auto accident claim that I had. My car rolled over and I was hurt and I was trying to deal with the insurance company on my own and it was very stressful. Once I hired Mr. Russell, the stress off my plate. Not only did Mr. Russell help me get good medical treatment but I was also very happy with the amount of the settlement. Thank you Mr. Russell.

    Amazing Attorney

    Posted by

    I have dealt with many attorneys and Mr. Russell is by far the best! He is very experienced in his field and understands that these are not just cases but people he is dealing with. He did an amazing job dealing with my case and he was always very patient with me to explain process!

    a very happy client

    Posted by

    mr russel is very professional and i woukld highley recommend him for anyone that is in need of a professional to handle their case. thank you very much chris from arto and devra mcgee

    One of the best law firms I've ever been with.

    Posted by

    Russell and Lazarus law firm did an ASTOUNDING job with my case. Kept me very informed and update on everything. Aldo did an amazing job keeping me up to date on my case. If i give more than 5 stars i definitely would.

    Worth the Time

    Posted by

    After six years with battling the horrific Allstate Insurance Company, I am pleased with the results of the settlement. Allstate is notorious for putting up a long and lengthy fight, but it was well worth the wait. Mr. Russell and his team fought all the way for me.

    Highly Recommended

    Posted by

    I was very lucky to have the law firm of Russell & Lazarus take on my case with only 1 day to go before my statute of limitations would have expired, and I was very impressed that they were able to so quickly file a lawsuit on my behalf. As a result of their dedicated work, I ended up receiving 60% more from Mercury than I would have received if I had not contacted the law firm. During the whole process, they were extremely helpful in making sure the case went forward smoothly, and were most pleasant to have on my side. If I'm in need of a personal injury attorney again in the future, I would not hesitate to contact this law firm once more.

    Excellent representation!

    Posted by

    Nice to have been taken care of so well. All I had to do was be patient and wait for the'Team' to settle my dispute! Thank you all for your hard work and patience with me!
    See all reviews

    Attorney endorsements

    (18)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

    Brandon Simon

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Michael Waddington, Personal injury Attorney on May 30, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse Christopher. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.

    Fenja Klaus, Personal injury Attorney on Aug 22, 2013
    Relationship: Worked for lawyer

    Chris has built a great law firm and I am so thrilled to be a part of the Russell & Lazarus team!

    Darren Aitken

    Chris is a great advocate for his client. I endorse this lawyer.

    S ElDabe, Personal injury Attorney on Jun 5, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. Very knowledgeable!

    Atticus Wegman, Personal injury Attorney on Apr 23, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Christian Lassen

    Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community.

    Barry Goldberg, Personal injury Attorney on Mar 8, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I am pleased to endorse Mr. Russell as an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury trial attorney. In particular, I have been following his written blogs and media. It is more than clear that Mr. Russell has a superior grasp of the important issues which affect injury victims on a regular basis. He has a solid understanding of insurance law which separates him from the majority of other personal injury lawyers practicing in his geographic area. I will not hesitate to refer my Orange County clients to him because I know that they would receive superior legal services.

    Albert Crosner, Personal injury Attorney on Jan 24, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Mr. Russell's contributions on Avvo.com in response to community questions has been superb. Six months ago, he answered a very speciffic question dealing with subpoena of medical records in a very professional and knowledgeable manner. I endorse this lawyer.

    Paul Lee, Personal injury Attorney on Oct 19, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I highly endorse this lawyer. Chris is a responsible and intelligent person when it comes to the law. With roughly 30yrs of experience, he always has the best interest of his clients in mind. His aggressiveness is admirable and his commitment to justice is top notch. If I need a second pair of eyes on a personal injury matter, Chris would be one of the first people I call.

    Thomas Philbrick, Personal injury Attorney on Oct 18, 2012
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    I've had the pleasure of working together with Chris Russell on several personal injury litigation matters. To say that Mr. Russell is experienced in the field is an understatement. I've been nothing but impressed with his depth of knowledge and his ability to develop creative solutions to complex legal questions all while keeping the interests of the client at the forefront. If you happen to have had the misfortune of being injured due to the negligence of others, Chris Russell is definitely the man to call. Chris is a pleasure to work with and I highly recommend him.

    John Russell, Personal injury Attorney on Oct 12, 2012
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    I have worked on several matters with Chris Russell, and his combination of experience, results and personability is second to none. Chris both has an incredible knowledge of every facet of personal injury practice, in addition to having a wonderful personality that allows him to gain the trust of his clients. His combination of skill and compassion for his clients has led him to great success in his field. In a case involving serious injuries to a client, there is no one I would trust more than Chris Russell to obtain a just result.

    Jon Jackson, Personal injury Attorney on Oct 10, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Christopher Russell is a lawyer's lawyer. Since 1984, Chris has focused his skill, energy and efforts to helping victims of personal injury and wrongful death. In addition to being an excellent and experienced lawyer, Chris is a warm and caring human being who places the best interest of his clients and family before his own. I share this information with you because in my opinion, these qualities are what make a good lawyer a GREAT lawyer! You want a lawyer who truly cares about you and who is able to appreciate, understand and communicate to an insurance company or jury, exactly how your injuries have impacted and changed your life forever. I've seen all these qualities in Chris, and more! I strongly suggest that your visit Chris' web site and watch the videos. Better yet, give Chris a call and get answers to all your legal questions today! -- Jon Mitchell Jackson/ Jackson & Wilson, Inc. (2009 Orange County Trial Lawyer of the Year)

    Alison Gokal, Personal injury Attorney on Sep 19, 2012
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    Mr. Russell has earned the respect of his fellow trial lawyers. I have nothing but the utmost respect for all of the positive and amazing results he has been able to accomplish, both in and out of the courtroom, over the years. Keep up the great work!

    Steven Morasse, Personal injury Attorney on Aug 29, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I have known Christopher Russell for 30 plus years. There is no one more devoted to getting his clients fair compensation on personal injury claims than is Chris. With his 28 plus years of experience there is not a case he has not seen or circumstances he has not encountered in the context of a personal injury claim which makes him a deadly advocate on behalf of his clients. Chris is also a great member of the community as well contributing his time and money to causes related to personal injury issues. I highly endorse Christopher Russell. I have never endorsed an attorney previously for AVVO but this was a no brainer for me as Chris epitomizes all of what AVVO endorses in regards to the attorneys who are its members. I am sure is Chris is glad to be associated with AVVO and AVVO should be very happy to have Chris as one of its members.

    Kyle Scott, Personal injury Attorney on Aug 14, 2012
    Relationship: Worked for lawyer

    I have known Chris Russell for 19 years. Chris was initially my boss at one of the first law firms I worked at. Now I stay in touch with Chris usually in obtaining a second opinion on how to proceed in one of my cases at my firm. Chris brings to the table his 25+ years of legal experience. He has always represented the side of the consumer and has always done so zealously and with an eye to what is best for his client. If Chris believes in your claim, then he is in it to its resolution. I would recommend Chris Russell for any personal injury or wrongful death claim you or your family have. When you are going up against law firm financed by the insurance industry trying to diminish your claim you want a lawyer like Chris Russell on your side.

    Desmond Collins, Personal injury Attorney on Aug 14, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I find Chris Russell to be a zealous advocate, a consummate professional and a quality peer in the legal profession. Chris is a family man and is able to communicate effectively on a personal basis. I heartily recommend him on any personal injury matters.

    Marc Lazarus, Personal injury Attorney on Aug 9, 2012
    Relationship: Co-worker

    I endorse this lawyer's work. Christopher Russell is a smart and aggressive personal injury lawyer who helps his clients obtain the best outcome for their cases. Christopher is a skilled trial attorney who has the respect of the insurance industry as well as the defense bar. I would wholeheartedly endorse Christopher Russell.

    Cost

    RATES
    • Contingency A contingency fee is the percent of the final award a lawyer will receive as compensation. For some of these cases, lawyers will only be paid if there is a successful outcome.
      25%-42%
    PAYMENT METHODS