A graduate, with Distinction, from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law and a member of the McGeorge Chapter of the Order of the Coif since 1980, Russ was a civil litigator for over 30 years representing individuals, local and national companies and public entities covering a broad range of disputes involving such matters as personal injury and wrongful death, premises liability, construction defects/accidents, contract disputes, real estate, employment, wage and hour disputes, professional negligence and unfair business practices. His success as a trial lawyer and reputation for professionalism have been acknowledged by his inclusion as a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), the preeminent trial bar in America.

Over his career, in addition to his trial practice, Russ enjoyed assisting others as a mediator in resolving their disputes without the need for trial. In 2012, he started his own mediation practice and since then has been serving as a full-time mediator. His years of experience as a trial lawyer representing both plaintiffs and defendants, together with his analytical and intuitive skills and his calm, empathetic approach, have resulted in the settlement of innumerable cases/claims. His attention to detail, his appreciation for the variety of interests that come into play in resolving disputes, and his personalized approach to each case are characteristic of his successful mediation style. Since becoming a full-time mediator, he has distinguished himself as one of the top mediators in the field. His experience and skills, both as a litigator and as a mediator, have earned him the highest AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting the confidential opinions of the Bar and the Judiciary, a testament to the fact that his peers rank him at the highest level of ethical standards and professional excellence.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• 1980-1985 Associate, Hardy, Erich & Brown

• 1985-1990 Associate, Porter, Scott, Weiberg & Delehant

• 1990-2011 Partner, Porter Scott

• 2012-present Russ J. Wunderli, Esq. dba Wunderli Mediation Services

MEMBERSHIPS, RECOGNITIONS, TRAINING

• State Bar of California, licensed 1980, CBN 95654

• Sacramento County Bar Association, ADR section

• Placer County Bar Association

• Judicate West, Neutral

• Judge Pro Tem: El Dorado, Placer & Sacramento Counties

• Panel Mediator: Sacramento & Yuba Counties

• Resolute Systems, LLC, Panel Member

• ABOTA, American Board of Trial Advocates, Fellow

• Martindale-Hubbell, Peer Review Rating, AV Preeminent 5 out of 5, 2001-2024

• Northern California Super Lawyers, Alternative Dispute Resolution, 2010-2016

• Sacramento Magazine, Top Lawyers/Mediation, 2015-2022

• Expertise, Best Arbitrators & Mediators in Sacramento, 2020

EDUCATION & TRAINING

California State University of Sacramento (B.A., 1976)

University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (J.D., 1980)

• Graduated with Distinction

• Order of the Coif

• Traynor Honor Society

Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, Pepperdine University School of Law, Continuing Education in Mediation (2012-2019)

AREAS OF SUCCESSFUL DISPUTE RESOLUTION EXPERIENCE

• Personal Injury and Wrongful Death

• Professional Negligence

• Commercial/Business Disputes

• Employment/Wage and Hour

• Construction Defect

• Contract Disputes

• Real Estate

• Premises Liability

• Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims

• Subrogation Actions