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About Russell
Russell Gallaro represents clients in an array of complex commercial litigation matters that involve securities, derivatives, fraud, Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), antitrust, construction and contract disputes.
While Russell’s primary focus is in the financial services industry, where he represents securities broker-dealers, financial services companies, financial advisors and investment banks, he has also litigated disputes in a wide range of other industries, including real estate, construction, pharmaceutical, energy and marketing.
In addition to litigating in state and federal courts, Russell has extensive experience in arbitration proceedings. In particular, Russell has successfully represented financial services clients in numerous Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) arbitration hearings involving a wide range of disputes, from customer claims of unsuitability and unauthorized trading, to industry disputes involving complex investment products. Russell also regularly represents clients in FINRA regulatory and enforcement proceedings. Aside from FINRA, Russell’s arbitration experience extends to many other arbitration forums, including the American Arbitration Association (AAA) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
Experience
Recent Notable Matters
Financial services company — obtained favorable award from FINRA arbitration panel following five-day hearing involving claims of unsuitable investments in private equity and hedge funds, as well as favorable expungement decision for registered representative
Bloomberg, L.P. — obtained dismissal of multiple lawsuits alleging breach of contract and violations of state and federal antitrust laws in construction dispute
Macquarie Futures USA — obtained dismissal of breach of contract and fraud claims in both federal and state court in dispute concerning options contracts on commodities futures exchanges
Securities broker-dealer — negotiated favorable settlement in multiple FINRA arbitrations involving allegations of unsuitable investment recommendations in student housing investments
Pharmaceutical company — obtained an award of no damages following a 10-day ICC arbitration, on claims for alleged breaches of a pharmaceutical licensing agreement
Financial services company — obtained complete dismissal of $30 million claims of breach of contract, fraud and securities violations, in an 18-day FINRA arbitration in connection with client’s origination of securities*
Financial services company and registered representative — obtained complete dismissal in FINRA arbitration of claims against client alleging unsuitable investment activity, and obtained expungement in federal court of all references to the claims on registered representative’s public disclosure report*
Data center services company — successfully represented client alleging breach of contract claim in AAA arbitration and related New York state court proceeding*
Credit Suisse (USA) Inc. — represented client in commercial mortgage-backed securities “putback” case*
* Work completed prior to Bracewell