Russell S. "Russ" Warner, Environmental Attorney in Erie, Pennsylvania
Erie, PA
Trusted environmental attorney serving Erie.
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Quick answer
Russell S. "Russ" Warner is an attorney based in Erie, PENNSYLVANIA. The practice focuses on Environmental.
- Based in
- Erie, PENNSYLVANIA
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Environmental
- Handles Environmental matters from Erie, PENNSYLVANIA.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Environmental Law (2026).
About Russell S. "Russ" Warner: Russell S. "Russ" Warner is an attorney based in Erie, PENNSYLVANIA. The practice focuses on Environmental.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Russell takes on
Russell concentrates on environmental. Each area below outlines the kind of case Russell handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Environmental cases in Erie, Pennsylvania
Russell takes environmental matters in Erie, Pennsylvania. 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
Meet Russell S. "Russ" Warner — environmental lawyer in Erie
Russell S. "Russ" Warner is an attorney based in Erie, PENNSYLVANIA. The practice focuses on Environmental.
Russell S. Warner is the Managing Partner of the law firm of MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton LLP in Erie, Pennsylvania. He is the Chairman of the firm's Business Department and the past Chairman of the firm's Environmental Group. He concentrates his practice in the areas of business and environmental law, including matters involving the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, as well as matters before the USEPA Environmental Appeals Board and the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board.
Mr. Warner's practice includes representation of businesses, financial institutions and municipal entities regarding business and environmental matters, as well as acquisitions, capital projects, real estate development projects, and financing transactions.
Mr. Warner graduated from Harvard University, cum laude, in 1978, and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, summa cum laude, in 1981, where he ranked first in his class and served on the editorial staff of the Law Review. His honors and awards include the Order of the Coif and the Order of the Barristers. After graduation from law school, he served as a judicial law clerk to Judge W.W. Knox of the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania and to Judge D. K. Sloviter of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Warner served as the President of the Erie County Bar Association for 2003, and has also served as a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s House of Delegates.Mr. Warner's environmental organization memberships have included the Air & Waste Management Association, the Manufacturer's Association of Northwest Pennsylvania Environmental Roundtable, and PADEP's Public Advisory Committee for the Presque Isle Bay/Erie Harbor Remedial Action Plan. He also has served on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and as Secretary of the Erie County Water Resources Commission.
Mr. Warner's community activities have included serving as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Erie Community Foundation, service on the Board of Directors of the Economic Development Corporation of Erie County, and as President of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership.
Russell's approach to environmental cases
Russell S. Warner is the Managing Partner of the law firm of MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton LLP in Erie, Pennsylvania. He is the Chairman of the firm's Business Department and the past Chairman of the firm's Environmental Group. He concentrates his practice in the areas of business and environmental law, including matters involving the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Pennsylvania…
Clients Russell works with
Russell reviews new inquiries case-by-case for environmental matters in Erie and the surrounding Pennsylvania area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Pittsburgh
J.D. · 1981
Jurisdictions
Russell's state bar admissions
United States, Ameri
ACTIVE
Pennsylvania, Pennsy
ACTIVE
United States, Erie
ACTIVE
Russell studied at J.D. in University of Pittsburgh.
Law school and academic background
Russell completed J.D. in University of Pittsburgh. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Russell runs in Pennsylvania is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Russell has received 9 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Environmental Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Administrative / Regulatory Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Economic Development Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Food and Beverage Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Environmental
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Water Law
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Environmental Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Administrative / Regulatory Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Economic Development Law (2026).
Locations
Russell S. "Russ" Warner's office in Erie
Russell's primary office is at 100 State Street, Suite 700, Erie, Pennsylvania, 16507. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Russell S. "Russ" Warner
Russell has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Russell S. "Russ" Warner — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new environmental 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 environmental attorney in Erie, Pennsylvania
A short list to run through before you commit: How many environmental 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 environmental practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every environmental 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 environmental practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Russell S. "Russ" Warner
How much does it cost to hire Russell for a environmental 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 environmental attorneys offer free consults — check Russell's current terms during booking.
How long do environmental cases in Pennsylvania typically take?
Simple environmental 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 Erie?
Russell is licensed in Pennsylvania. Matters governed by Pennsylvania 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 environmental 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
Environmental attorneys serving Erie, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania
Russell handles environmental matters throughout Pennsylvania. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified environmental attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated environmental attorneys in Pennsylvania
If Russell's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these environmental attorneys in Erie handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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