Russell Yankwitt

Managing Partner & Chair of the Litigation Practice

Russell Yankwitt is one of Westchester County’s most highly respected attorneys, known for his impressive track record of case wins in the courthouse, in private arbitration and at the settlement table. Unlike many litigators, Russell is not afraid to take cases to trial, which he leverages at mediations and during settlement negotiations to secure the best outcomes for his clients. His thorough preparation and ability to assess his adversaries’ tipping points are key factors in his exceptional success at settling cases favorably.

One of Russell’s standout qualities is his unwavering commitment to his clients. He deeply cares for them personally and advocates for them with unyielding determination and dedication. In addition, he always gives 100 percent, standing resolute and Yankwitt Tough until the case is fully resolved. For all these reasons, clients regularly turn to Russell for sophisticated yet sympathetic legal counsel.

Russell is an active member of the Westchester County community, serving on multiple not-for-profit boards and the Executive Board of the Westchester County Board Association. He also serves on the Executive Board of the Federal Bar Council. His leadership roles in the state and federal bar associations and his reputation for integrity and trustworthiness have earned him the respect of his peers and the judiciary, as well as regular recognition and inclusion in Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, Chambers and Partners, and Benchmark organizations.

Prior to founding Yankwitt LLP in 2009, Russell worked at the prestigious New York City law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom LLP and served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York and a federal law clerk in the Eastern District of New York, where he fostered relationships with the bar and bench that he draws on to this day.

• Federal Bar Council, Westchester Committee, Founder & Chair
• Federal Bar Council Executive Board, President-Elect
• The Business Council of Westchester, Board
• American Bar Foundation, Fellow
• AMANDA ADR
• Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, Board
• Westchester County Bar Association, Assistant Treasurer
• Westchester County Bar Association, Commercial Division, ADA, Grievance committees
• Westchester County Bar Association, Co-chair of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee
• Inns of Court, Member
• UJA Federation, Westchester Business & Professional Division, Board

• Cornell Law School, J.D. cum laude
• Connecticut College, B.A. Phi Beta Kappa