Russell S. Warner

Russell S. Warner is a seasoned attorney focusing on environmental and business law. He advises businesses, financial institutions, economic development organizations, and municipal entities on complex legal and regulatory matters. His work at MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton LLP includes business transactions, real estate development, capital projects, financing arrangements, and environmental compliance. He regularly represents clients before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, helping them navigate permitting, enforcement, and regulatory challenges with clarity and confidence.

Mr. Warner earned his B.A., cum laude, from Harvard University, where he studied Government. He went on to receive his J.D., summa cum laude, from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. While in law school, he served on the Law Review’s editorial staff, was named Valedictorian, and was inducted into the Order of the Coif and the Order of the Barristers. His academic background reflects a strong foundation in legal analysis, writing, and advocacy.

Mr. Warner has built a reputation throughout his legal career for guiding clients through environmental permitting, compliance, and risk management issues. He has extensive experience with contaminated site assessment and remediation, ecological issues in mergers and acquisitions, and Pennsylvania’s Act 2/ Land Recycling Program. His practice also includes industrial and municipal wastewater matters, public drinking water issues, sewer systems, and environmental aspects of economic development projects. He is recognized for delivering practical solutions that align legal requirements with business goals.

Russell S. Warner has held leadership roles within the legal and environmental communities in addition to client representation. He is the founder and past Chairman of the firm’s Environmental Group and has served in key bar association and advisory positions. His professional achievements have been recognized by his selection to The Best Lawyers in America® for Environmental Law. Through his work, he continues to help organizations move projects forward while maintaining regulatory compliance and long-term sustainability.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton LLP
• Member, Pennsylvania Bar Association, Natural Resources Law Section
• Member, Erie County Bar Association

Licensed State

• Pennsylvania

Education

• University of Pittsburgh School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD) Summa Cum Laude
• Harvard University
  Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude

Awards & Badges