MARK L. RUSSAKOW

Mark Russakow —
Mediator | Arbitrator | Trial Attorney | Business Strategist

Mark Russakow is a highly accomplished attorney, mediator, and business leader with more than 33 years of litigation experience spanning defense, plaintiff, and neutral roles. Renowned for his creative settlements, patient approach, and unwavering commitment to practical solutions, Mark has earned a reputation as a trusted problem solver in complex, high-stakes disputes.

Mark began his career in 1993 as an associate at Calendo, Puckett, Sheedy & DiCorrado, where he specialized in insurance defense and special investigations fraud litigation. Over five years, he conducted more than 500 depositions, participated in hundreds of arbitrations and mediations, and handled numerous jury and court trials. He later sharpened his plaintiff-side skills at Franscell, Strickland & Roberts and Di Julio & King, where he originated new business, litigated personal injury, employment, and trust cases, and played a key role in significantly increasing firm revenues.

In 2001, Mark co-founded Russakow, Ryan & Johnson, building a successful business, employment, and real estate practice that grew to three offices. His entrepreneurial drive continued with the launch of Arroyo Law Group, one of the first subscription-based law firms in the country.

Mark’s business acumen extended beyond traditional law practice in 2010 with the founding of Approved Inheritance Cash Inc., a pioneering finance company that advanced funds to beneficiaries during probate and trust administration. After selling the company to a publicly traded firm, he retained a consulting role. He later founded Trust Law Partners, now a leading contingency-based trust and estate litigation firm with offices across California and in Dallas, Texas.

Alongside his extensive trial practice—spanning hundreds of depositions, arbitrations, mediations, and jury trials—Mark has also served as a court-appointed Mandatory Settlement Conference officer in more than 100 cases. His down-to-earth style, credibility as a seasoned trial lawyer, and deep understanding of litigant psychology enable him to broker resolutions that avoid Pyrrhic victories while preserving relationships and resources.

Mark’s professional recognition includes selection to Super Lawyers 13 times, Rising Star 4 times, and multiple appearances on the Pasadena Top Lawyer list. He earned his B.A. in Political Science with honors from UC Irvine, his J.D. from Loyola Law School, and was admitted to the California Bar in 1992.

Today, Mark continues to balance active litigation with mediation and arbitration work, leveraging decades of diverse legal experience and a business owner’s perspective to resolve disputes efficiently and effectively.