Russell J. Austin

Real Estate Law

4.0 (1 reviews)

San Jose, California

28+ years experience

Updated: Jan 11, 2026

Contact Information

916-446-2300

https://www.murphyaustin.com/attorneys/russell-j-austin/

555 Capitol Mall, Suite 850 Sacramento CA US

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Bio

Practicing Real Estate Law law, Russell J. Austin serves individuals and families throughout California. Throughout over two decades in the legal field, Russell J. Austin has developed deep expertise in Real Estate Law. J. Austin works with Murphy Austin Adams Schoenfeld LLP to deliver results for clients. Russell J. Austin takes a client-focused approach, ensuring individuals understand their legal options. Russell J. Austin maintains open communication throughout the legal process, keeping clients informed. J. Austin maintains active licensure in California and stays current with legal developments.

Practice Areas

Real Estate Law

Awards & Recognition

Lawyer of the Year: Real Estate Law, Sacramento (2010)
Recognized: Real Estate Law
Special Focus: Business
Special Focus: Commercial
Special Focus: Condemnation
Special Focus: Development
Special Focus: Eminent Domain
Special Focus: Finance
Special Focus: Joint Ventures
Special Focus: Office Buildings
Special Focus: Tax
Special Focus: Tax Certiorari
Special Focus: Title Matters
Special Focus: Transactions
Special Focus: Workouts and Restructurings
Awarded the LAI Sacramento Capitol Award for distinguished professional accomplishments in real estate and conservation law, along with substantial civic involvement and philanthropy, Lambda Alpha International (LAI) Land Economics Society, Sacramento Chapter (2024)
Awarded the Making the Difference Award for loyal dedication and unwavering commitment, VLSP/Capital Pro Bono (2024)
Conservation Impact Award Winner, awarded to the individual who excels in environmental protection and makes significant contributions toward advancing rangeland conservation, issued by California Rangeland Trust (2019)
Named Centennial Fellow of the Sacramento County Bar Foundation, awarded to “attorneys at the pinnacle of achievement who, through distinguished professional accomplishment and substantial civic involvement and philanthropy, have earned a legacy as founding pillars of the Sacramento legal community.” (2018)
Champion of Change for Saint John's Program for Real Change, awarded to those “who exemplify the core values of Saint John's: Love, Courage, Effort, Gratitude, Respect, Community, and Growth” and go “above and beyond to support the mission of Saint John's and the women and children working hard to break the cycle of homelessness, poverty, and dependence for good.” (2017)
Selected by Sacramento County Bar Association as the Distinguished Attorney of the Year, awarded each year to the attorney who “through the practice of law, has made Sacramento a better place to live and work.” (2017)
Named The Best Lawyers in America’s 2010 Sacramento Real Estate Lawyer of the Year (2010)
Listed in The Best Lawyers in America since 1997
Listed in Northern California Super Lawyers, Real Estate since 2005
Named in the Top 100: Northern California Super Lawyers (2016-2018)
Named in the Sacramento Business Journal’s “Best of the Bar” list (2013-2019)
Named in the Top 25 list: Sacramento Super Lawyers (2015-2018, 2020-2022)
Listed in Sacramento Magazine’s Top Lawyers List, Real Estate (2015-2023), Business/Corporate (2018-2022)
Fellow, American Bar Foundation (2006)
Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year (2001)
Sacramento County Bar Association Humanitarian of the Year (1994)
American Bar Association Pro Bono Publico Award (1993)
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell (1992-Present)
California State Bar President's Pro Bono Service Award (1992)
Business Volunteer of the Year, Business Volunteers for the Arts (1991)

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 1997

Education

University of California Berkeley, J.D., Order of the Coif, graduated 1980
University of California - Santa Barbara, B.A., History, summa cum laude, graduated 1974

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Reviews

Benjamin Gutierrez

2 months ago

A seasoned professional who guided us through a complex property sale

We engaged Russell Austin to handle the sale of a multi-unit commercial property that had become unexpectedly complex due to title issues and a difficult buyer's attorney. His 28 years of general practice experience, particularly his recognized focus in real estate and business law, were immediately evident. He didn't just review documents; he provided strategic counsel that protected our interests and kept the deal moving. His background from UC Berkeley and his obvious deep knowledge of California real estate law gave us immense confidence. The transaction closed successfully, largely due to his meticulous preparation and negotiation skills. The only reason for not giving a full five stars is that during the busiest two-week period, communication from his office could occasionally take a day or two, which added some anxiety. That said, his substantive work was flawless. We highly recommend Mr. Austin for anyone in the San Jose area needing sophisticated legal guidance on a significant real estate or business matter.