About Mark Russell
Attorney L. Mark Russell (“Mark”) grew up with an older brother, Jon, who is dual diagnosed with both an intellectual disability and a bipolar disorder. Sharing Jon’s struggles and triumphs has defined Mr. Russell’s career and his
life.
Although attorney Russell graduated Magna Cum Laude near the top of his law class back in 1981, instead of
following the expected thing to do and work in a big, prestigious, and highly-paid law firm attorney Russell focused his early career on advising parents who had a son or daughter with a disability and drafting special needs trusts. Just two years out of law school in 1983 attorney Russellwrote the first book in the country about special needs trusts and “future planning” for parents who have a son or daughter with a disability.
The reassuring result for his clients is that attorney Russell concentrates his law practice on estate and future planning for families who have a child with a disability. Attorney Russell has advised hundreds and hundreds of parents who have a son or daughter with a disability how to safeguard their child’s future.
Known for his innovative and creative presentations, Mr. Russell is also highly sought after as a conference
and seminar speaker. He is widely acclaimed and nationally recognized for his expertise and ability to transform a complex issue into something extremely easy to understand. His audiences are diverse, and include seminars for Public Television, as well as disability organizations on a local, state, and national level.
Formerly Of Counsel to Estate Planning for Persons with Disabilities (EPPD), Attorney Russell has trained a national network of attorneys and financial planners in this field. He also firmly believes in the concept of
service to others. His devotion to charitable organizations include appointments as
- Executive Director of the National Alliance for Research on
Schizophrenia and Depression (A brain research foundation with an elite international council of
scientific advisors including Nobel Laureates.) - Former U.S. Representative to the International League on Disabilities;
legal rights committee - A founding member and early board member of PACT, one of the first
private, charitable advocacy and guardianship organizations in the country
In addition, Attorney Russell frequently writes on the topic of special needs estate planning. He co-authored the breakthrough book, “Planning for the Future: Providing A Meaningful Life For A Child With A Disability After Your Death,” currently in its 5th edition. His other literary efforts include:
- Co-author of “The Life Planning Workbook”
- Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of New Ways Magazine, a national quarterly
magazine for families that include children or adults with a disability - The Annual Income Tax Guide for Exceptional Parent Magazine
- Author of “Alternatives: A Family Guide to Legal and Financial Planning
for the Disabled,” a book hailed as…
An admirable work and possibly the first comprehensive piece to concentrate on
the difficult estate planning problems created by a disability. ~Estates, Gifts,
and Trusts Journal
The fact of the matter is, dealing with the issues of special needs planning for children with a disability is more than a vocation for L. Mark Russell…it is a passionate calling.
Attorney Russell has advised hundreds of parents who have a child with a disability, helping them plan for the future
security of their child with disability. Attorney Russell prepares such documents as wills, trusts, powers of attorneys for health and property, special needs trusts, and other vitally necessary documents, and advises parents on issues such as guardianship and government benefits. Whether working intimately with parents as a trusted advisor, networking as a team member in conjunction with financial planners, working with disability organizations, or connecting with special education teachers, Mr. Russell is 100% committed to improving the quality of life for every person he comes in contact with, especially those who deal with a disability.
Attorney Russell received his Bachelor of Arts and Sciences from Northwestern University in 1977, and his law degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology, Kent College of Law in 1981. He graduated law school Magna Cum Laude, with a Baker and McKenzie Academic Scholarship, and American Jurisprudence Awards in Property Law and Civil Procedure.
When not working for the betterment of families who have a son or daughter with a disability, Mark enjoys spending time with his family. In addition to his wife and two young children, his older brother Jon remains a constant inspiration and motivation for him.
There Are Three Easy Ways To Reach Mark:
1. Call him at 847-991-7451.
2. Email him at LMARKRUSSELL@COMCAST.NET (Because attorney Russell is often in client meetings…to avoid “phone tag” we recommend you email him. But…if you hate email…never hesitate to call.)
3. Write to him at 86 W. King Henry Ct., Palatine, IL 60067.
Mr. Russell meets with clients in Palatine, Mt. Prospect, or in their homes. (Because parents are often busy during the day, Mr. Russell often meets in the late afternoon or early evening at the client’s home. Many parents tell Mark they really appreciate discussing the emotional issue of how to safeguard the future security of their child with a disability in the comfort of their own home. Of course, you can also meet Mark during the day in his office.