Russell L. Lichtenstein is widely recognized as one of New Jersey’s most effective management-side employment litigators. He serves as Chair of Cooper Levenson’s Employment & Labor Practice Group and the Casino & Hospitality Industry Defense Litigation Practice Group, where he is the firm’s lead trial counsel for casino clients.

A seasoned trial lawyer, Russell is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Civil Trial Attorney and recognized by the National Board of Trial Advocacy as a Certified Trial Advocate. He regularly appears before state and federal courts in New Jersey and represents clients before administrative agencies handling employment and labor matters. He is also admitted pro hac vice in multiple jurisdictions nationwide, assisting clients across the country in employment-related disputes.

In addition to his litigation practice, Russell has extensive experience in traditional labor law. He advises employers on collective bargaining, contract negotiation and drafting, daily labor relations issues, and the defense of unfair labor practice charges before the National Labor Relations Board.

In the casino and hospitality sector, Russell is regarded as a trusted resource for risk management. He works closely with casino leadership and operational departments—including facilities, security, food and beverage, housekeeping, construction, and maintenance—to defend claims and implement strategies that reduce liability exposure. He has particular expertise in defending security negligence claims, a key area of risk for the industry.