Brian Russell has nearly two decades of experience representing Napa and Sonoma wine and hospitality businesses in all real estate, corporate, and licensing matters. His practice areas include business, real estate, land use, CEQA, water rights and natural resources, trademark and municipal law. Brian has advised clients on contract negotiation, real estate acquisitions, alcohol beverage licensing, drafting purchase agreements, entity formation, and securing land use entitlements in Napa and Sonoma Counties. In addition, Brian counsels clients on property due diligence, resolved zoning matters, and land purchase agreements.

Most recently, Brian was in-house counsel for the Palmaz Companies, which is a family office that owns and operates four diverse companies, including GoodHeart Brand Specialty Foods, Vactronix Scientific, Palmaz Vineyards, and Genesee Valley Ranch.

Bar Admissions

• California

Education
J.D., California Western School of Law (2005)
Summer Law Program, Tulane Center for European Union Law and Intellectual Property Law, University of Amsterdam, NL (2003)
B.A., University of California, Santa Barbara (1997)

• City of St. Helena Planning Commissioner, Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson (2012-2014)
• Legal Aid of Napa Valley, Former Board of Directors, Chairperson-Directors Committee and Secretary
• Napa County Bar Association