The-Firm

For thirty years Larry has successfully litigated some of the largest and most complex construction defect cases in California.
Before going to law school Larry worked for Fluor Engineers & Constructors, one of the largest design and construction firms in the world. Larry assisted in the preparation and award of hundreds of contracts including a lump sum contract in excess of $250,000,000.00, the largest lump sum contract issued by Fluor up to that time. During his time with Fluor Larry worked closely with teams of architects and engineers to develop the scope of work for hundreds of contracts including housing projects for the City of Al Jubal. Larry brings this unique background to bear on construction defect cases for the benefit of our clients.
Larry has an extensive background dealing with insurance coverage issues which include the review and drafting of re-construction contracts; or, negotiating settlements with insurance carriers in a construction defect case. Larry has written articles including issues pertaining to electric cars, tobacco and smoking, and how to draft, bid and award a successful reconstruction contract. Larry has served as an instructor for CACM courses and has authored a contracts class, as well as served on various legal presentation panels in this industry.
Larry graduated from Santa Clara Law School in 1985 and has focused on representing CIDs. Larry has also served as a pro team judge in small claims and small claims appeals in Contra Costa County.

Prior to founding Russell & Mallett, LLP, Kevin represented tort defendants, primarily in the personal injury context for almost 17 years; in that context Kevin (and Larry) often defended some of the same CID clients. Since forming Russell & Mallett, LLP, Kevin has convinced insurers to accept Russell & Mallett, LLP as defense counsel in a number of tort lawsuits against those clients; thereby ensuring those clients had defense counsel knowledgeable with the fundamental issues that uniquely impact California CIDs. Kevin has also acted as general counsel providing representation to clients who need advice in dealing with difficult owners as well as assistance in the tort defense context as defense counsel.

Kevin has authored courses in how to respond to lawsuits, has served as a judge pro tem in Contra Costa County and serves as a California Bar Special Master in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Kevin graduated from UC Hastings in 1983 and has been active in the practice of law since then. Kevin has served as an instructor for both CAI and CACM and has served on various legal presentation panels for both organizations.

Morgan has spent her entire legal career representing CIDs, both as general counsel and as litigation counsel. She advises boards of directors regarding corporate matters including governing document interpretation, election rules, rule enforcement, member disputes and matters involving governmental agencies and governing document revisions.

Morgan is active in the Bay Area-Central California Chapter of Community Associations Institute (CAI) serving on numerous committees, speaking at educational events and currently serving on the Board of Directors. She has been a California Association of Community Managers (CACM) instructor and has lectured on numerous topics related to CIDs including member discipline, fiduciary duties, fair housing, ethics, and laws pertaining to CIDs. Morgan received her law degree from the University of Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 1999.

Since 1995, Betty Jones has represented, advised and assisted CIDs in the Northern California. In the course of that legal representation, Betty has restated governing documents, assisted associations with drafting rules, policies and procedures; interpreted governing documents; resolved disputes with governmental entities, association members and adjacent property owners; and successful represented associations in numerous lawsuits, arbitrations and mediations. Betty has authored numerous opinion letters on diverse issues pertaining to the operation of CID communities. Betty has also represented CIDs in complex litigation law and motion.

Betty received her Juris Doctorate from University of the Pacific – McGeorge School of Law with Great Distinction and Order of the Coif. Betty is a member of both the California and Colorado bars. She is a CACM instructor, a speaker at CAI and other industry events and seminars and published author; topics have included case law and statutory updates, the open meeting act, benefits in updating governing documents, director fiduciary duties, member discipline and enforcement, parking issues and other legal issues pertaining to non-profit mutual benefit corporations and CIDs.

Lisa provides operations, office management, and paralegal support assisting in all phases of litigation from inception through discovery and trial preparation. Lisa has been with the firm since 2002. She graduated from California State University, East Bay with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology with added Forensics Option.