Diane Frances Russell

Diane is simply the best. My ex-husband filed a lousy lawsuit against me over the holidays, and Diane was recommended to me, and it was the best recommendation I have ever had. Diane accepted that lousy case and took it very seriously. She did a ton of research and even asked for sanctions for me,... which we won. Be honest with her, and she will be straight up with you. She will advocate harder for you than you can imagine. She knows her stuff, and she knows it well. If you come to her with a case, and she tells you it is not worth trying, believe her. She is looking out for your best interest and does not want you to waste your money or time. She is professional, reputable, smart, yet also caring and empathetic.

I went to Diane for a dissolution and custody was a major issue. Her office staff was professional and always gave me notice of fees. I was notified when calling for an appoinment that there was a consultation fee (and how it was broken into tenths of an hour so I was only charged for the time that... I actually spoke with her) and retainer fees would be discussed at the consultation. I was given a client fee agreement that spelled out all fees and obligations. Diane was compassionate and ethical. She made time out of her schedule when I really needed her assistance. She was always prompt to court, meeting me outside the courtroom and going over what would be happening that day, and I always received notice of any court dates and copies of all legal papers that were filed with the court. She was professional, kind, and to the point (she is not an attorney to waste time in order to charge her clients-) she always let me know where the law stood on issues in a compassionate manner. I truly appreciated her assistance in my matter and am glad that I had her on my side.

Diane was referred to me by a friend whom I trust. Diane represented me in a variety of family-related matters including custody and child support. We lost both times, despite insurmountable evidence that we should win, including her 75% certainty we would win. She was late to court. She failed to ...notify me to appear, so we had to request to do one appearance over the phone. I spent 25,000 with her, and as a result my ex-wife receives the maximum allowed by Washington state child support, and I see my kids twice a year. RUN AWAY from Diane Russell. She has no apathy, a cold and bitterness about her, and charges WAY TOO MUCH to lose so hard. My kids have suffered as a result of her services. She won't lose sleep over it, though - she's touring wine country in Europe thanks to my fees.

My divorce finalized over a year ago. I selected Diane Russell to represent me because she had a number of years of experience in family law. She was very personable and worked with me every step of the way. She was always professional and gave me sound advice. My divorce was not terribly difficu...lt but I knew that if I ran in to issues she had a wealth of knowledge to bring to the table.

I went to Diane Russell for a consultation on a legal matter THANK GOODNESS she showed her colors immediately! I asked when I scheduled the appointment and when I got into the office if there was a consult fee, I was told no. Upon filling out the "new client" paperwork and going over disclosures ther...e was NO disclosure of a fee (her partner at the time, who an acquaintance had used in a legal matter charged a consult fee so I wanted to be 100% sure). When I got out of the consultation I was asked to pay almost $500 for a consultation fee! WHAT!!! I asked twice AND verified the paperwork had no disclosure of a fee. This is a violation of the WSBA! During the consultation she did nothing but criticize and chastise me. She wouldn't listen to ANYTHING I had to say; I felt like upon meeting me she was already on the opposing parties side. She was rude and unwelcoming, didn't seem compassionate or caring at all! She talked over me and gave dirty looks TERRIBLE people skills.....she acted as if she was better than me from the moment she met me. When she gave me a quote for a retainer she asked for 12 TIMES the amount of ANY other attorney in the area and then said when that retainer amount ran out I would need to pay the same amount again!!! I retained a different attorney for my case and couldn't be happier with him, he is phenomenal! I paid 1/12 the retainer to him and he really goes to the mat for me and has TOTALLY turned my case around to my favor! When we've been in court I have seen Ms. Russell and have only reassured that I made the right choice not retaining her. She seems passive and uncaring when arguing her cases for her clients NOT the kind of attorney I would want!