Attorney Mark J. Russo, Esq.
Education
- J.D., cum laude, University of Maine School of Law, Portland, Maine (May 2002)
- Summer Law and Extern Programs, Universidad de Guanajuato, Mexico (2001)
- Summer Law Program, Universidad del Salvador, Buenos Aires, Argentina (2000)
- Recipient of Wernick Award for Legal Writing
- President, Latinos/Latinas Law Student Association
- B.A, cum laude, Classics/Literature, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio (May 1972)
Experience
Graphel, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio (1977-99)
President/CEO 1990-99; Executive Vice President 1986-90; Plant Manager 1982-86; Machinist 1977-82
- As President, managed sales, distribution, business development, consignment machining, engineering, quality control, and finance/administration for a $16 million business specializing in high-quality customized tool fabrication and distribution of fabrication materials (sole supplier worldwide for General Motors, General Electric, and Parker).
- Doubled business volume over a ten-year period, primarily through expansion in international markets, including development of distributorships in México, Central America and long-term relationships with German, Korean and other overseas trading companies.
- Personally researched foreign markets, networked extensively, and represented the company at trade shows. Acquired at least a basic competency in three languages, and studied culture and literature extensively prior to initiating contacts in overseas markets.
- Upgraded and standardized the company’s business processes; developed professional engineering and quality assurance staffs to manage process control and continuous improvement critical in a highly competitive industry sensitive to cost, quality, and flexibility.
- Managed a workforce of 120 with diverse skill sets: managers, engineers, sales representatives, and highly skilled through unskilled machinists and production staff.
Volunteer Activity / Community Service
- Volunteer, Farm Labor & Native American Division, Pine Tree Legal Assistance, Portland, Maine
- Currently assist in representation of foreign or Native American migrant/ seasonal workers on labor and immigration issues, and general representation of Spanish-speaking clients.
- Member, League of United Latin American Citizens, Portland, Maine
- Co-leader, University of Cincinnati Health Outreach, Celestún and Kochul, Yucatán (1996 & 1997)
- Initiated, planned, and managed two programs for routine health screenings and preventive education for rural Hispanic and Mayan populations. Conducted needs assessment interviews with local residents as the basis for program design; recruited and managed health service teams, and participated in direct care and education.
Publications
- Russo, M.J., NAALC: A Tex-Mex Requiem for Labor Protection. 34 U MIAMI INTER-AM. L. REV., 51 (2002). Compared current and historical labor law and labor relations in the US and Mexico and evaluated NAALC’s effectiveness in protecting labor in both countries.
- Russo, M.J., The Tension Between the Need and Exploitation of Migrant Workers: Using MSAWPA’s Legislative Intent to Find a Balanced Remedy. 7 MICH. J. RACE & L., 195 (2001). Analyzed treatment of migrant workers in Maine Federal District Court in comparison with other US Districts.
Other Qualifications
- Currently licensed to practice law in both the State and Federal Courts in Maine.
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