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.

Attorney Mark J. Russo, Esq.

64 Alfred Street, Suite 206
Biddeford, Maine 04005
Phone: (207)282-4004
Fax: (207)282-8005
E-Mail: contact_us@markjrussoesq.com