WELCOME to attorney L. Mark Russell's ("Mark's") Website


 

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 Russell wrote 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…

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:

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.

L. Mark Russell is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and a charter member of the Academy of Special Needs Planners.

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.

Don't worry....the above video clip is only 11 seconds long.

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.

Here's Jon and me.

Here's my brother Jon in the middle and my brother, Dr. Dave on the right.

Here's Jon and my son, Granger.

"Thanks Dad. I owe 'ya."

Thanks Dad, I owe my career to you. Thanks Mom for so much else.

Here's the story:

You see, I was a 2nd-year law student gunning for grades (I was around the top 5% in my class) with vague dreams of practicing in some big corporate law firm.

Dad had just retired and he wanted to “give back to the community” now that he had time. And Dad was obsessed with trying to figure out the answer to the question, “What will happen to Jon (my brother who has mental illness and a mild intellectual disability) after Dad died?” In his quest to answer that question, he founded PACT as a volunteer and he asked me to help him build PACT as part of the founding Board of Directors. Yep, it’s the same PACT that’s now is out in Lombard providing many services to parents who have a son or daughter with a disability.

That was a glorious time for me. Around 1980. I had never worked with my Dad like that before. All I knew growing up was he left the house early in the morning with a briefcase in hand and returned in the evening. I had no idea what he actually did as an “international businessman” nor what he was like while doing it.

The time I spent helping Dad build PACT became a turning point in my career. Instead of working at a large corporate law firm, I chose the road less traveled and became one of the handful of attorneys in the country helping parents plan for the future security of their child with a disability.

A few years later in 1983 I wrote what I think was the first book in the country about estate planning for parents who have a child with a disability. (It's currently out of print.)

Indeed, the road less traveled has made all the difference in my life.

Thanks Dad. I owe ya.

Dad and Jon clowning around.

Attorney Russell is co-author of Planning For The Future...Now in its 5th edition.

Click on book for order info.

To order the book, click here.

"The book is a real "Treasure".

Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and experience through this publication. The book is a real "Treasure". It's not only a very difficult task to raise and nurture a challenged child but, the worry and realistic anxieties that follow through life are even greater.

This book gave my husband and me ideas and comfort that we do have many options for provision for our daughter with minimal burden on other family members.

With careful planning and the info from your book, the future looks like it will be fine for her and the rest of our family when we are gone. We learned of the book through our estate planner which I'll be forever grateful.

I'm passing on what we have learned to another family member in a similar situation. I will be ordering another copy.

Shirley LaBombard

"I have never seen so much information in one place"

I have never seen so much information in one place in my entire life about future planning for a child with a disability...This book has already answered every single question that I've ever had about the future, in regards to my son, who has autism.

Jackie D. Igafo-Te'o, Bridges4Kids

Lots more book reviews from leaders all across the country at the bottom of the page.

Sign up here to join the parent's club who want great information about safeguarding their child's future.

Contact Information
First Name *
Last Name *
Email *
Street Address *
City *
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Zip Code *

Simply fill in your information above, and click on the “Submit” button. Then be watching for a message from Mark in your email, asking you to confirm your request. That’s all there is to it, and you’ll be able to receive valuable information that can truly help build a secure future for your loved one with a disability.

You have my word I’ll never share your information with anyone else. I hate spam as much as you do (maybe more!) And don’t worry. You can unsubscribe at any time if you change your mind.

Want help in Then download some instructive PDFs.

If you just want to know what special needs trusts are all about, here's an article to get you started.

Click on this link to the right: Here's How to Protect Your Child's Future with a Special Needs Trust.

5 Minute Audio Clips

Click Here to Learn More About Special Needs Trusts.

Click Here to Learn More About Selecting Trustees.

Articles

The Single Biggest Blunder Parents Make After They Have a Special Needs Trust Drafted For Their Child with a Disability

Will Your Special Needs Trust Truly Meet Your Child’s Changing Needs?

Should parents EVER leave an inheritance outright to a son or daughter who has a significant disability instead of using a special needs trust?

4 Alternatives to Guardianship

14 Simple Ways to Organize Your Papers When You Have a Child with a Disability

Interviewed: Q and A with Mark Russell and Arnold Grant about special needs trusts and other topics

What Everybody Ought to Know About Administering a Special Needs Trust

Excerpt from our book -- The Will and the Special Needs Trust

Glossary of Important Words to Know in Planning for the Future Security of Your Child with a Disability.

Attorney Russell is available for a limited number of speaking engagements per year.

For more information: Email: LMARKRUSSELL@comcast.net or call 847-991-7451

Just recently I spoke for the relatively new group called PASSAGE: Planning Asperger Syndrome Success and Generating Experiences. Here's what co-founder, Teri Dudsik, had to say about the presentation:

Thank you for a most informative and heartfelt presentation. You really understand the dilemma we face with this particular population. Everyone was very impressed with you level of expertise.

FYI: I received a question the other day from a staff member of a very large organization that is hosting my speaking. The staff member (who happens to be a real pro) emailed me the following: "Regarding the upcoming seminar, some parents want to know if this is an introduction to special needs trust or a more advanced presentation."

Here's my return email (It's a bit tough, but you'll get how I feel about this truly critical topic):

I have no idea what the parent means by basic level versus advanced level. All I know, is parents and professionals often tell me, "No matter how often I hear you speak Mark, I learn a lot."

I NEVER presume I know everything. I repeatedly go to lectures about special needs planning even though I've been practicing in the area for over 25 years. So, I just don't relate to the question. But, I suppose if the parents know the answers to questions like these, they can consider not coming:

Latest News

Brand new video for parents who have a child with Asperger syndrome, click here.

Q and A

Answers to parent questions, click here.

Feel free to email attorney Russell with a question at LMARKRUSSELL@COMCAST.NET and ask him a question. Attorney Russell may or may not post an answer to your question. This Q and A section is NOT designed to replace a consultation or even to give legal advice about your particular problem. Rather, it is designed to answer general questions that can help lots of parents who may be confused or lacking knowlege about an important issue.

Don't worry, you name will NOT be mentioned in either the question or the answer.

Here's what leaders in the field are saying about attorney Russell's book:

To order the book, click here.

"No matter what the disability"

“Planning is the book’s overriding feature—no matter what the disability, or how small the income, if there is a well-considered and thoughtful plan, children with disabilities will have a greater chance of enjoying the best possible health and security. This book is a must purchase for all parents who have children with emotional, physical, or mental disabilities.” ~Legal Information Alert

"I feel I can now plan for my son."

“This book helped to make a sometimes confusing situation much clearer. I especially appreciated the section on government agencies. I feel I can now plan for my son’s future with a more clear direction. Thank you.” ~Trudy Songco

"The most complete complation which I have ever seen of useful information"

“’Planning For The Future’ is the most complete compilation which I have seen of useful information for planning the future of a mentally disabled family member. The authors lay out the issues and options in great detail, including sample letters. They also skillfully take the mystery out of legal jargon. Highly recommended.” ~ E. Fuller Torrey, M.D., Author of “Surviving Schizophrenia”

"Numerous worksheets, sample documents, and useful charts are included."

“Estate planning for families with children who have a disability is quite different from other types of estate planning. ‘Planning For The Future’ draws on the authors’ extensive personal experience, providing a number of case histories and specific examples to enable readers to understand the planning process. Numerous worksheets, sample documents, and useful charts are included. This book is easily understood and very helpful in addressing the many issues that face parents with disabled children.” ~Nancy Schurtz, Professor of Law, University of Oregon Law School, in a review by Estate Planning Magazine

" I really can’t think of a piece of information that is missing."

“For the last 25 years, I have worked with parents/families in varying administrative roles responding to their questions and concerns regarding the future of family members who have disabilities. Always I wished I would have had this type of information available. This book is very well written and I really can’t think of a piece of information that is missing.” ~Sister Elaine Weber, O.S.F., Executive Director, St. John’s Villa, Carrollton, Ohio

"This book should be read numerous times before and during estate planning"

I congratulate the authors for their approach, their comprehensiveness, and their obvious commitment to people with disabilities. This book should be read numerous times before and during estate planning with one’s own advisors.” ~ Marilyn Price Spivak, Founder, National Head Injury Foundation

"Easy to follow approach"

A comprehensive publication which presents an easy to follow approach to addressing vital questions and burning issues that caregivers and consumers encounter. A must for every professional in the field of mental retardation.” ~ B.R. Walker, Ph.D., Past President, AAMR

" Planning For The Future is a book we distribute at all Arc events.

Planning For The Future is a book we distribute at all Arc events. We have found it to be a great deal of value and very easy to understand for all parents concerned about planning.~ Tony Paulauski, Executive Director, Arc of Illinois

"This indispensable book..."

When educators assemble libraries, they tend to select two categories of books: those for themselves as instructor and those to be shared with persons with disabilities, their families, and their caregivers. Educators concerned with transition will find that this indispensable book can fit into either category. ~ Gerald Giordano, Ph.D., Book Review Editor Career Development For Exceptional Individuals

" Draws on the authors’ extensive personal experience"

Estate planning for families with children who have a disability is quite different from other types of estate planning. . . Planning For The Future draws on the authors’ extensive personal experience, providing a number of case histories and specific examples to enable readers to understand the planning process. Numerous worksheets, sample documents, and useful charts are included. This book is easily understood and very helpful in addressing the many issues that face parents with disabled children. Nancy Shurtz, Professor of Law, University of Oregon Law School,in a review by Estate Planning Magazine

"This book is the place to begin the process of future care planning."

Now, as the time arrives to look to the future of a child with a disability, a future in which families will be absent due to aging, illness or death, the need to plan becomes urgent. This book is the place to begin the process of future care planning. It is comprehensive and thorough, taking the reader through each step and available option. The authors are generous and accurate in the information they provide. ~ Carol Obloy, Chairman, Guardianship and Trusts Network, NAMI, From a review in the NAMI Advocoate

"Perfect book for families who have a loved one with a disability."

Planning For The Future is the perfect book for families who have a loved one with a disability. One must consider how to provide for long-term care therefore making this book a must read for all.~ Patricia M. Johnson, Executive Director, Publisher A Positive Approach Magazine

" This resource that removes the mystery"

Our work has been positively and significantly enhanced by this resource that removes the mystery from an extremely complex, too often avoided, legal and personal dilemma for families confronted with the many issues of disability. Going beyond my expectations, these authors have created a resource readable and practical for families experiencing disability and the professionals who support family efforts.~ Ronnie Barclay, Parent Education Coordinator

" Reading it increases parents’ chances of getting to sleep at night."

Planning For The Future provides families with a manageable way of organizing their knowledge, hopes, and fears for the future. Reading it increases parents’ chances of getting to sleep at night.~ Carolyn Beckett, Program Specialist, Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center

"This book has the answers to all the questions that have haunted me. "

As the mother of a son who suffered from paranoid schizophrenia, I have worked for several years with a dedicated group of people who were concerned about the future of family members with severe disabilities. This book has the answers to all the questions that have haunted me. I congratulate the authors for their expertise, and their obvious compassion for people with disabilities.~ Gwill Newman, President Emeritus, National Association for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression; Vice Chairman, Chicago Brain Research Foundation

"Step by step approach – from education and social activities to legal and financial elements –"

Planning For The Future is an extremely comprehensive and step by step approach – from education and social activities to legal and financial elements – to enable parents to ensure the future quality of life for their child with a disability. ~ Jeffrey A. Ditty, Ph.D.,President, Neuro Education Center

" Using this book is probably the single most important planning step that you can take for your child."

Using this book is probably the single most important planning step that you can take for your child.” ~ Professor Kenneth Friedman, From a Review in The Association For Persons with Severe Handicaps (TASH) Newsletter

" Expert information"

“Expert information on this very important often complicated topic. Very valuable for parents and professionals.” ~ Stanley D. Klein, Ph.D., Editor in Chief, Exceptional Parent Magazine

"This book meets the needs of families "

There are many times when a parent of one of our residents asks what they can do now to insure not only the financial future of their child, but also their future emotional well-being. This book meets the needs of families who are faced with these challenges.~ Robert C. Wissinger, President, Martha Lloyd Community Services, Troy, Pennsylvania

" I enthusiastically endorse the text."

Planning For The Future is a valuable reference book for both parents who have children with handicaps and for professionals who offer consultation to parents and their children with handicaps …I enthusiastically endorse the text. ~ Bernard R. Wagner, Ph.D., President, Evergreen Presbyterian Ministries, Inc.

"It is easy to read"

The book Planning For The Future came to us at exactly the right time. We are holding an estate planning seminar in the near future. This book will give parents something concrete to use. . . It is easy to read and covers the topics so vital to the future for people who are disabled. Congratulations on a book well done! ~ Marian Mullet, Executive Director, Pathfinder Village

"Provides compelling and powerful instructions"

Provides compelling and powerful instructions for implementing the important things a parent needs to include in their disabled child’s life and financial plan. . . It will be used as a primary planning tool for parents who come to the Pathfinder Village International Information and Conference Center on Down Syndrome in Edmeston. ~ Paul A Donnelly, Special Project Consultant, International Information and Conference Center on Down Syndrome

" The authors’ advice based on their legal expertise will prevent us from making critical mistakes"

As parents of children with disabilities, we all face that difficult question, “What about later?” There is such a vast range of issues to be dealt with you almost don’t know where to begin nor do you know how to even organize your thoughts. Thankfully, it looks like the authors of this book have done that for us. This comprehensive manual guides the reader through everything we need to know regarding the care of our beloved children when they are on their own starting from employment, shelter, recreation, health, and, of course, the business aspects of financial matters. The authors’ advice based on their legal expertise will prevent us from making critical mistakes and maximize the amount of care and benefits that we can expect for our children. This book is a must-have for all parents to serve as a helpful reference to best prepare for the coming years. ~Yvone Link Parent to Parent Power

To order the book, click here.

Sign up here to join the parent's club who want great information about safeguarding their child's future.

Contact Information
First Name *
Last Name *
Email *
Street Address *
City *
State *
Zip Code *

Simply fill in your information above, and click on the “Submit” button. Then be watching for a message from Mark in your email, asking you to confirm your request. That’s all there is to it, and you’ll be able to receive valuable information that can truly help build a secure future for your loved one with a disability.

You have my word I’ll never share your information with anyone else. I hate spam as much as you do (maybe more!) And don’t worry. You can unsubscribe at any time if you change your mind.

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Copyright © 2007 by L. Mark Russell, All Rights Reserved