Russell A. Smith, Civil Rights Attorney in New York
Over 40 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Copyright, and Criminal Defense
MemberatSmithDehn, LLP
New, NY
Practicing civil rights in New York since 1986.
- 40+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Russell A. Smith?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Russell A. Smith is a member based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Copyright, and Criminal Defense. Russell has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at SmithDehn, LLP.
- Based in
- New York, NY
- Experience
- over 40 years
- Known for
- Civil Rights · Copyright · Criminal Defense
- Handles Civil Rights, Copyright, and Criminal Defense matters from New York, NY.
- Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Russell A. Smith: Russell A. Smith is a member based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Copyright, and Criminal Defense. Russell has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at SmithDehn, LLP.
Areas of practice
Russell's practice areas in New York
Russell concentrates on civil rights, copyright, criminal defense, entertainment, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Russell handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Civil Rights
View other Civil Rights attorneys
Copyright
View other Copyright attorneys
Criminal Defense
View other Criminal Defense attorneys
Entertainment
View other Entertainment attorneys
General
View other General attorneys
Internet
View other Internet attorneys
Litigation
View other Litigation attorneys
Trademark
View other Trademark attorneys
Civil Rights cases in New York
Russell takes civil rights matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Russell agrees to represent you.
Copyright cases in New York
Russell takes copyright matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Russell agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in New York
Russell takes criminal defense matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Russell agrees to represent you.
Entertainment cases in New York
Russell takes entertainment matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Russell agrees to represent you.
General cases in New York
Russell takes general matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Russell agrees to represent you.
Biography
Russell A. Smith, civil rights attorney serving New York
Russell A. Smith is a member based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Copyright, and Criminal Defense. Russell has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at SmithDehn, LLP. Russell works from New York and takes on civil rights matters across the region.
Russell A. Smith is a lawyer practicing litigation, general practice, criminal defense and 7 other areas of law. Russell received a B.A. degree from Rutgers University in 1982, and has been licensed for 40 years. Russell practices at SmithDehn, LLP in New York, NY and 1 other location.
Working with Russell on a civil rights matter
Russell A. Smith is a lawyer practicing litigation, general practice, criminal defense and 7 other areas of law. Russell received a B.A. degree from Rutgers University in 1982, and has been licensed for 40 years. Russell practices at SmithDehn, LLP in New York, NY and 1 other location.
Clients Russell works with
Russell reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, copyright, and criminal defense matters across New York.
Credentials
Credentials — where Russell studied and practices
Columbia Law School
J.D. · 1985
Rutgers University
B.A. · 1982
Jurisdictions
Russell's state bar admissions
New York
1988 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1986 · ACTIVE
Russell studied at J.D. in Columbia Law School and B.A. in Rutgers University.
Law school and academic background
Russell completed J.D. in Columbia Law School and B.A. in Rutgers University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Russell runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Russell A. Smith's office in New York
Russell's primary office is at 419 Lafayette, Fl. 2, New York, NY, 10003-7033. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Russell A. Smith
Russell has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
Only verified clients who have consulted with Russell A. Smith can leave a review.
Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Russell A. Smith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new civil rights attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Russell usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Russell charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Russell's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Russell will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a civil rights attorney in New York
A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Russell
Russell discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in civil rights practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every civil rights matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Russell confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Russell's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Russell A. Smith
How much does it cost to hire Russell for a civil rights case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Russell walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Russell offer a free consultation?
Russell charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Russell's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Russell's current terms during booking.
How long do civil rights cases in New York typically take?
Simple civil rights matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Russell gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Russell take my case if I'm outside New York?
Russell is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Russell will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Russell?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Russell will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Russell accepting new civil rights clients right now?
Russell's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Civil Rights attorneys serving Albany and Brooklyn in New York
Russell handles civil rights matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated civil rights attorneys in New York
If Russell's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these civil rights attorneys in New York handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.