Emily L. Russell

Emily L. Russell is an associate with the Michele Zavos Law Group. Her practice focuses on family law litigation, adoption, and estate planning for same-sex and traditional families. Emily joined the firm in September of 2006. She previously worked for Michele Zavos as a law clerk beginning September 2004.

In addition to her litigation practice, Emily coordinates the firm's pro bono activities, developing partnerships with local non-profit organizations to provide legal representation and access to the justice system for persons otherwise unable to afford it. Emily's pro bono work focuses on child custody disputes, domestic violence and estate planning in the LGBT community. Emily has also participated in the efforts to promote marriage equality in Maryland. She was a major writer of the publication "Marriage Inequality in the State of Maryland", published by Equality Maryland.

Emily serves on numerous boards in the D.C metro area. She is a member of the Community Advisory Board for Whitman Walker's Lesbian Service's Program. She is also serves on the board of directors for Women in the Life, a social justice organization advancing the rights of lesbians of color through cultural affirmation, education and advocacy.

Emily Russell graduated cum laude from the University of Delaware in 2002 where she was elected a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Law in 2006. Prior to pursuing her J.D., Emily was the government affairs coordinator for Comcast Cable's northern Delaware region.

Emily is a member of the American Bar Association, the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and the Family Law Section of the Maryland State Bar Association.

Emily was admitted to practice law in Maryland in 2006 and in Virginia in 2007.