RUSSELL T. ABELN
Senior Assistant City Attorney
El Paso,TX
Summary
Accomplished municipal attorney with seven years’ of legal experience advising City Council, City Boards, and City Departments. Skilled at interpreting and drafting municipal code, ordinances, resolutions, negotiating contracts, and ensuring compliance with state and federal law. Proven ability to work with internal and external parties to deliver complex projects on-time.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Senior Assistant City Attorney
City of El Paso
03.2018 - Current
- Current Departments
- -Planning and Inspections Department (2018- Present)
- -Community and Human Development
- Past Departments
- -City Clerks
- -Purchasing Department
- -Parks and Recreation
- -Museums and Libraries
- -Economic Development
- -Office of Management and Budget
- -Destination El Paso
- -Electric Utility Regulation
- Current City Board Assignments
- -City Plan Commission
- -Historic Landmark Commission
- -Capital Improvement Advisory Commission
- -Zoning Board of Adjustment
- -Open Space Advisory Board
- Past City Board Assignments
- -Veterans Advisory Commission
- -Museums and Cultural Affairs Advisory Board
- -Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
- Key Projects
- -Drafted revised Historic District Code
- -Drafted Code revisions for smart growth infill developments
- -Drafted proposal for updated development agreement template, infrastructure bond documents, and related subdivision code revisions
- -Lead Attorney for El Paso City Council Redistricting 2020 (2020)
- -Lead Attorney for City of El Paso Impact Fee Update 2024
- -Drafted updated City Council Rules of Order 2025
- -Lead Attorney for City of El Paso Boards and Commission Consolidation 2025
- -Lead Attorney for FY2022 Budget
- -Drafted large multiyear management and concession agreement covering multiple City facilities
- -Assisted with COVID Emergency Declaration Compliance, CARES and ARPA fund distribution
- -Drafted multiple high value 380 Economic Development Agreements, including agreement to bring foreign company U.S. headquarters to El Paso, Texas
- -Responsible for drafting and negotiating a variety of HUD contracts and coordinating with local Housing Authority
- -Lead attorney on 100 Unit affordable housing project from controversial zoning issues to negotiating HUD funding agreement
- -Supervise two paralegals and two junior attorneys
- Supervised and evaluated staff to help improve skills, achieve daily objectives, and attain advancement.
- Participated in cross-functional teams for successful product launches, consistently meeting deadlines and organizational goals.
- Developed strong working relationships with internal departments and external partners, fostering seamless collaboration across teams.
- Managed multiple high-priority projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion
Associate Attorney Social Security Disability
Jeff Diamond Law Firm
04.2017 - 03.2018
- -Represented clients in front of over 150 Social Security administrative hearings
- -Drafted appellate briefs for Social Security Disability Appeals Council
- -Drafted letters, proffer responses, and motions for Social Security cases
- -Supervised case managers and support staff of six
Associate: Tax and Business
Gordon Davis Johnson & Shane
01.2014 - 01.2016
- -Assisted a healthcare non-profit as assistant general counsel by drafting organization bylaws, policies, and attending board meetings
- -Drafted and reviewed sale and purchase documents for corporate acquisitions and performed related due diligence
- -Drafted and reviewed corporate entity documents for limited liability companies and corporations
Education
Juris Doctor -
Texas Tech University
01.2014
Bachelor of Arts - undefined
St. Edwards University
01.2010
Skills
Texas Municipal Law
Risk Management
Project Execution
Cross-functional communication
Ethics and Professionalism
Making Priorities a Priority
Certification
Texas 2014
Timeline
Senior Assistant City Attorney
City of El Paso
03.2018 - Current
Associate Attorney Social Security Disability
Jeff Diamond Law Firm
04.2017 - 03.2018
Associate: Tax and Business
Gordon Davis Johnson & Shane
01.2014 - 01.2016
Bachelor of Arts - undefined
St. Edwards University
Juris Doctor -
Texas Tech University
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