C. Russell  Bengtson
C. Russell  Bengtson

C. Russell Bengtson

Managing Partner
rbengtson@benjestlaw.com

Russell’s practice focuses on the defense and representation of clients in a wide range of civil matters, including product liability, construction defects, premises liability, motor vehicle accidents, insurance coverage, bad faith litigation. general liability, and the representation of clients before various professional boards and commissions.

Russell is an experienced trial attorney who, for over four decades, has successfully tried jury and non-jury cases in State and Federal Court. He has also argued appeals before the Rhode Island Supreme Court and the United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. Russell's practice has earned him recognition by his peers as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and as an Advocate of the American Board of Trial Advocates. Russell is also a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association, American Bar Association,, the Council on Litigation Management, the Defense Research Institute and the American Bar Foundation. Russell has been a member and Chairman of the Disciplinary Board, Rhode Island Supreme Court (1994-2000), as well as a member of the Federal Bench/Bar Committee and a member of the Local Rules Committee for the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island.

In addition to his civil defense practice Russell has also consulted and been retained in various types of business disputes including shareholder disputes, fee disputes and probate appeals. Russell is often requested to represent attorneys before the Disciplinary Board of the Rhode Island Supreme Court.

Areas of Practice

  • 90% Insurance Defense
  • 10% Civil Litigation

Litigation Percentage

  • 100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation

Bar Admissions

  • Rhode Island, 1969
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 1st Circuit, 1990
  • U.S. District Court District of Rhode Island, 1971

Education

  • Suffolk University Law School, Boston, Massachusetts
    • J.D. - 1969
  • University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island
    • B.A.
    • Major: Political Science

Professional Associations and Memberships

  • American College of Trial Lawyers
  • American Board of Trial Advocates

Past Employment Positions

  • Carroll, Kelly & Murphy, Partner, 1969 - 2009