Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight 20th ANNIVERSARY 2004-2024
Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight 20th ANNIVERSARY 2004-2024
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Russell Kornblith, Partner and General Counsel

Russell Kornblith

PARTNER AND GENERAL COUNSEL

Phone: 646-402-5646
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/russell-kornblith

“My case lawyers were simply awesome.”
– Amsale Robi
“Huge thanks to Russell Kornblith.”
– Meg Lentz
“Russell Kornblith is one of the highest caliber lawyers you could work with.”
– Craig Abramson
“Russell and David are extraordinary attorneys. Focused on detail but also the human side of events. Stellar in all regards.”
– Former Client
“Russell and his team has a very good hands on approach when handling tough situations. I would’ve highly recommend this firm to people.”
– T.W.
“His knowledge of the law, professionalism, pragmatism and calm manner made a potentially stressful process that much smoother and easier. It also helped lead to a successful and fair outcome.”
– Senior International Development Professional
“As a team, we overcame legal hurdles and took steps towards a favorable resolution.”
– Former Client
“I’ve worked with numerous employment law firms in my profession, and I would unhesitatingly refer clients and friends to the team at Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight.”
– Former Client
“If you are reading this, you are likely in the midst of a very difficult journey.”
– Anonymous
“Based upon Sanford Heisler’s reputation, I expected outstanding legal service.”
– General Counsel
“When you first seek legal help, it is natural to feel overwhelmed. In my experience, it is best to have a guide who is knowledgeable, honest, and hard-working.”
– Former Client
“Having gone through a process as lengthy as I did, I was very grateful to have Russell and his team support throughout.”
– A Whistleblower
“This was an experience I never anticipated going through and, not surprisingly, a personal as well as professional challenge.”
– An Attorney Client
“I would like to share my experience and spread the word about my “attorney extraordinaire”, Russell Kornblith.”
– Former Client

Russell Kornblith is a Partner, the General Counsel of Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, and Co-Chair of the firm’s Executive Representation Practice Group.

Since joining Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, Russell has been recognized in the legal community as a Law360 Rising Star and as a Benchmark Labor & Employment Star.

At Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, Russell’s practice has focused on employment discrimination, sexual assault, and whistleblower cases, representing both individuals and classes. Russell’s representations have included:

Russell received his law degree cum laude from Harvard Law School and his Bachelor of Arts magna cum laude from Amherst College. While at Harvard Law School, Russell was an Articles Editor for the Harvard Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review, a research assistant to Professor (now Deputy Dean) I. Glenn Cohen, and a clinical student in the International Human Rights Clinic, where he contributed to several briefs to the U.S. Supreme Court.

A member of the New York and California bars, Russell is a co-chair of the amicus committee of the New York Chapter of the National Employment Lawyers Association, where he has authored or co-authored amicus briefs to state and federal courts on important issues of employment law.

Before joining Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, Russell completed clerkships for the Honorable James S. Gwin of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio and the Honorable Ronald Lee Gilman of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

When Russell is not lawyering, he enjoys visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites (115 to date), listening to audiobooks, lifting weights, and parenting.

Education

  • J.D., Harvard Law School, cum laude
  • Exchange Fellow, l’École Normale Supérieure
  • B.A., Amherst College, magna cum laude

Clinics

  • International Human Rights Clinic at Harvard Law School

Clerkships

  • Honorable Ronald Lee Gilman, United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
  • Honorable James S. Gwin, United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio

Bar Admissions

  • California, 2013
  • New York, 2015

Court Admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee

Memberships

  • Law360’s 2020 Legal Industry Editorial Advisory Board
  • NELA/NY Amicus Committee
  • NELA/NY
  • Taxpayers Against Fraud

I couldn’t have done these things without you.

“David, Russell and Clare – thanks very much for your wise counsel and unflagging support. David, I turned to you for help during what was, without question, the worst experience of my professional life, and thanks to you and your colleagues, we achieved a successful resolution, restored my reputation, and enabled me to return to a fulfilling and challenging position. I couldn’t have done these things without you and am grateful for your support.”
– Senior In-House Counsel

My case lawyers were simply awesome.

“Prior to my engagement with Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, I had heard the law firm’s outstanding reputation for legal services. However, what I found out after my personal experience with the firm cannot even be put into words. My case lawyers, Russell Kornblith and Kate MacMullin, were simply awesome. I am forever grateful for their level of skill and compassion that they presented me. Russell and Kate are extremely knowledgeable lawyer — a team anyone could rely on for their case. They are extremely approachable and honest and go the extra mile to represent their clients. From the moment I met them the first time, I knew I was safe. Thank you very much, Russell and Kate.”
– Amsale Robi

Russell Kornblith is one of the highest caliber lawyers you could work with.

“Russell Kornblith is one of the highest caliber lawyers you could work with. I can’t recommend him enough.”
– Craig Abramson

Huge thanks to Russell Kornblith.

“Huge thanks to Russell Kornblith. He was very easy to work with. Would recommend and use again.”
– Meg Lentz

I was very fortunate to work with Russell Kornblith of the Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight team.

“I was very fortunate to work with Russell Kornblith of the Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight team. His knowledge of the law, professionalism, pragmatism and calm manner made a potentially stressful process that much smoother and easier. It also helped lead to a successful and fair outcome.”
–Senior International Development Professional

Knowledgeable, Honest, and Hard-Working

“When you first seek legal help, it is natural to feel overwhelmed. In my experience, it is best to have a guide who is knowledgeable, honest, and hard-working. My legal team at Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight – Russell Kornblith, Steve Kelly, and Carolin Guentert – navigated me through complex and difficult questions with steady assurance. As a survivor of sexual abuse, I had felt powerless before coming out against my abuser and the institution that employed him. My attorneys made me feel like I had the power to hold them to account for their actions. Russell and Carolin were consistently professional, communicative, and receptive to my needs during the legal process. As a team, we overcame legal hurdles and took steps towards a favorable resolution. With Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight I feel that I obtained the best possible outcome for my case. I give Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight the highest recommendation to represent your legal needs and advocate for your rights.”
–Former Client

Very Responsive and Extra Proactive.

“Having gone through a process as lengthy as I did, I was very grateful to have Russell and his team support throughout. Since the moment I met Ross and Russell, I immediately could tell their professionalism and ethic was evident. In a city like New York City, it is not very easy to find compassionate lawyers, but I always felt I was heard and understood throughout those years. They made me feel confident about what I was fighting for, and I always felt they worked really hard for my case. They were always very responsive and extra proactive. They have a wonderful team that was always available, and sometimes Russell would even reply to my emails late and off working hours. I could not be happier to have found them, and I could not be more pleased with the outcome and results for our case. I will forever be grateful of all the efforts Russell and his team did to have made this happen.”
– A Whistleblower

Expertise and wisdom.

“This was an experience I never anticipated going through and, not surprisingly, a personal as well as professional challenge. I’m so glad I had the expertise –and wisdom– of you and your team to count on.”
– An Attorney Client

Attorney extraordinaire.

“I would like to share my experience and spread the word about my “attorney extraordinaire”, Russell Kornblith. Russell represented me and helped attain a settlement that was better than expected. As an attorney, Russell is dynamic, knowledgeable, reliable, approachable and much more. He has great communication skills and an approach which is practical and realistic. What makes Russell stand apart from others is his compassionate nature. I never felt alone. Russell stood by my side during turbulent times. There were dreary days where I would get frustrated and wanted to give up and, every single time, Russell was available to walk me through various scenarios, provide encouragement, empathize with me and always buck me up. Russell’s availability, willingness to listen and empathetic approach turned a very difficult and unpleasant process into a bearable experience. There were innumerable times where Russell would respond to my distressed emails past midnight. Knowing that I had a powerful, strong attorney standing by my side brought a huge sense of relief. During a difficult and complicated encounter, Russell came as a breath of fresh air when I was feeling extremely suffocated.”
– Former Client

Impressive work.

“I’m eternally grateful to Russell, Alok and Kate for their impressive work with my case. I expected outstanding legal service based on the firm’s reputation and track record. In addition, the team brought compassion and a strategic approach to managing the case, which ultimately brought a longstanding matter to a close. I’ve worked with numerous employment law firms in my profession, and I would unhesitatingly refer clients and friends to the team at Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight.”
– Former Client

Outstanding legal service.

“Based upon Sanford Heisler’s reputation, I expected outstanding legal service. However, I cannot express how much I respect and appreciate the skill and compassion David, Russell, and Nicole demonstrated every single day. With their expert guidance and attention, they made an otherwise very difficult process tolerable. The Sanford Heisler team always made me believe the fight was worthwhile! Thank you all so much!”
– General Counsel

Amazing results.

“If you are reading this, you are likely in the midst of a very difficult journey. I know, because I went through it myself, and I am here to tell you that if you stay positive and trust your Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight team, the road can be transformational and yield amazing results. . . . Russell fought for me, and also held my hand throughout the process, during which I experienced some of the lowest lows of my life. We spoke almost every day, to the point where I was very sad to see our relationship end (although they will always be in my life because I’ll never stop emailing them :)). Most importantly, they got me to the best possible resolution for me. My path has taken a sharp turn for the better, and they had a huge part to play in that fact. You will be OK at the end of this because you have Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight; trust the process and know that life is infinitely better on the other side of an environment that is holding you back from realizing your full potential in life.”
– Anonymous

Intricate knowledge.

“David Sanford called me on Super Bowl Sunday (imagine that!) to let me know that Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight would represent me. From start to finish, my legal team, Russell Kornblith,  , Adán Martinez,and Natalie Chew, demonstrated its intricate knowledge and interpretation of employment law, specifically the risks and psychology of my employer’s strategy. As the case progressed quickly and constructively, I felt understood and respected throughout each step of the journey. The outcome was beyond what I could have imagined! I thank Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight in my heart every time I read about them in the press. Just be thankful that they are on YOUR side and not the opposing counsel!”
– Former Banking Executive

Extraordinary counsel, concern, and attention.

Russell and David are extraordinary attorneys. Focused on detail but also the human side of events. Stellar in all regards. Extraordinary counsel, concern, and attention. Recommend with the highest possible rating.
– Former Client

International Vitamin Corporation – $22.865 Million Settlement

The Complaint alleged that International Vitamin Corporation violated the False Claims Act by skirting customs duties on thousands of imports of nutritional supplements from China. IVC agreed to pay the government $22.865 million.

Title IX Lawsuit Against Harvard University

The Complaint, filed on behalf of three doctoral students in Harvard’s Anthropology Department, alleges Harvard’s deliberate indifference to a nearly decade-long pattern of sexual harassment and retaliatory threats by a prominent professor.

Merck Gender Pay, Promotion and Pregnancy Discrimination Class Action

This gender discrimination class action against pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co., Inc. was originally filed by Plaintiff Kelli Smith in May 2013 in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. In January 2014, four additional class representatives from around the country joined the suit as plaintiffs alleging pay, promotion and pregnancy discrimination against the company.

Western Digital Class Action

This case has been settled and the class settlement is pending court approval. If the Court approves, Western Digital will make a non-reversionary payment of $7.75 million to settle class claims for gender discrimination and unequal pay for female employees.

EXL Service Holdings, Inc. Gender Discrimination and Retaliation Lawsuit

The complaint alleges that when Ms. Saltzman complained to EXL Board Member Clyde Ostler about the discrimination that she was personally experiencing, the company fired her.

Scripps Health System Whistleblower Lawsuit – $1.5 Million Settlement

The whistleblower alleged that the San Diego-based Scripps Health System unlawfully billed the United States Government for physical therapy services on behalf of a physician who was not present while the services were rendered. The case claimed that Scripps persisted in this conduct despite warnings from the whistleblower.

Temple St. Clair Whistleblower Action – $796,000 Settlement

The case is thought to be the first in New York to recover money for the United States government based on the defendant’s failure to properly mark its products with their country of origin.

Katrina Henderson v. Jones Day, Gender and Race Discrimination Lawsuit

The complaint details how the Big Law firm’s culture harms female associates in compensation and partnership decisions.

Nargol et al. v. DePuy Orthopaedics Inc. et al.

Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight brought whistleblower claims on behalf of Dr. Antoni Nargol and Dr. David Langton, two physicians and researchers who were first to uncover that medical-device company DePuy Orthopaedics manufactured and sold large numbers of defective hip implants to the government.

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