Steven C. Russo, Environmental Attorney in New York
Over 37 years of legal practice · focused on Environmental, General, and Government · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Shareholder; Chair, New York Environmental PracticeatGreenberg Traurig, LLP
New, NY
Practicing environmental in New York since 1989.
- 37+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Steven C. Russo?
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Quick answer
Steven C. Russo is a shareholder; chair, new york environmental practice based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Environmental, General, and Government. Steven has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Greenberg Traurig, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- New York, NY
- Experience
- over 37 years
- Known for
- Environmental · General · Government
- Handles Environmental, General, and Government matters from New York, NY.
- Over 37 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Steven C. Russo: Steven C. Russo is a shareholder; chair, new york environmental practice based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Environmental, General, and Government. Steven has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Greenberg Traurig, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Steven C. Russo
Steven concentrates on environmental, general, government, litigation, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Steven handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Environmental
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General
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Government
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Real Estate
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Environmental cases in New York
Steven takes environmental 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 Steven agrees to represent you.
General cases in New York
Steven 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 Steven agrees to represent you.
Government cases in New York
Steven takes government 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 Steven agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in New York
Steven takes litigation 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 Steven agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in New York
Steven takes personal injury 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 Steven agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Steven C. Russo — Over 37 years of New York environmental experience
Steven C. Russo is a shareholder; chair, new york environmental practice based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Environmental, General, and Government. Steven has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Greenberg Traurig, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Steven C. Russo co-chairs the Environmental Practice and chairs the firm’s New York Environmental Practice. He focuses his practice on environmental law and litigation, permitting, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) review, energy project siting, renewable energy, Brownfields redevelopment, toxic tort litigation, including emerging contaminants, environmental crimes, government law and policy, environmental due diligence and risk management, and the environmental components of land use and real estate law. Steven is equally experienced litigating in federal and state courts, as well as counseling his clients with regard to the development of major industrial, energy and residential development projects.
Prior to joining the firm, Steven was the Chief Legal Officer of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. There, he supervised approximately 90 attorneys in Albany, as well as the agency’s nine regional offices. He also supervised the agency’s legislative affairs department and Office of Environmental Justice. At the agency, Steven initiated a reform of the state’s environmental impact review regulations and assessment forms, completed the issuance of new power plant siting regulations pertaining to environmental justice and carbon emissions, and revised the agency’s environmental audit policy.
Concentrations
•Environmental Regulatory
•Environmental Litigation
•Construction Litigation
•Land development
•Energy Siting and Permitting
Recognition & Leadership
Awards & Accolades
•Selected, City & State, “Trailblazers in Clean Energy,' 2024
•Team Member, a Law360 “Environmental Practice Group of the Year,” 2022
•Selected, City & State, 'Energy & Environment Power 100,' 2022-2023
•Team Member, City & State, 'Top 50 NYC Lobbyists,' 2021
•Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, Environmental Law, Litigation - Environmental, 2015-2026
•'Lawyer of the Year,' Environmental Law, New York City, 2026
•Listed, Chambers USA Guide, 2010, 2017-2025
•Listed, The Legal 500 United States
•Environment: Transactional, 2023-2025
•Environment: Litigation, 2021-2022 and 2024-2025
•Environment: Regulatory, 2021-2022 and 2024-2025
•Dispute Resolution - Product Liability, Mass Tort, and Class Action - Defense: Toxic Tort, 2020 and 2024
•Litigation - Product Liability and Mass Tort Defense - Toxic Tort, 2014, 2018-2019 and 2023
•Listed, Who's Who Legal, 2013-2023
•Global Leader, Environment, 2013-2023
•Listed, Super Lawyers magazine, New York Metro Super Lawyers, 2009-2010 and 2014-2025
•Team Member, a Law360 'Real Estate Practice Group of the Year,' 2023
•Team Member, Best Lawyers in America 'Top Listed - Government Relations,' 2018
•Team Member, U.S. News - Best Lawyers, Best Law Firms Edition, 'Law Firm of the Year,' Environmental Law, 2016
•Team Member, a U.S. News - Best Lawyers 'Government Relations Law Firm of the Year,' 2014
•Rated, AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0
Working with Steven on a environmental matter
Steven C. Russo co-chairs the Environmental Practice and chairs the firm’s New York Environmental Practice. He focuses his practice on environmental law and litigation, permitting, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) review, energy project siting, renewable energy, Brownfields redevelopment, toxic tort litigation, including emerging…
Who Steven represents
Steven reviews new inquiries case-by-case for environmental, general, and government matters across New York.
Credentials
Steven C. Russo's legal education and bar admissions
Columbia Law School J.D. 1989 Chief Articles Editor Columbia Law School J.D. Columbia Journal of Environmental Law
—
State University of New York at Albany
B.A. · 1985
Jurisdictions
Steven's state bar admissions
New York U.S. Court
1990 · ACTIVE
Connecticut
1989 · ACTIVE
Steven studied at — in Columbia Law School J.D. 1989 Chief Articles Editor Columbia Law School J.D. Columbia Journal of Environmental Law and B.A. in State University of New York at Albany.
Law school and academic background
Steven completed — in Columbia Law School J.D. 1989 Chief Articles Editor Columbia Law School J.D. Columbia Journal of Environmental Law and B.A. in State University of New York at Albany. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Steven runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Steven C. Russo
Steven has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Steven C. Russo's office in New York
Steven's primary office is at One Vanderbilt Avenue, New York, NY, 10017. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Steven C. Russo — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Steven. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing environmental attorneys in New York.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Steven C. Russo claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Steven C. Russo — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new environmental attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Steven usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Steven charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Steven'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; Steven will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a environmental attorney in New York
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 Steven
Steven 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. Steven confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Steven'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 Steven C. Russo
How much does it cost to hire Steven for a environmental case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Steven walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Steven offer a free consultation?
Steven charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Steven's office. Some environmental attorneys offer free consults — check Steven's current terms during booking.
How long do environmental cases in New York 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. Steven gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Steven take my case if I'm outside New York?
Steven 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 — Steven 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 Steven?
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. Steven will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Steven accepting new environmental clients right now?
Steven'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 Albany and Brooklyn in New York
Steven handles environmental matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified environmental attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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