Russell Killen has approximately 30 years of experience advising clients on their construction, real estate, and land use needs. He counsels clients through the complete life cycle of development, from entitlement through construction and the final resolution of any disputes.
Russell's clients include a global life sciences company, a leading national homebuilder, international manufacturers, regional hospital systems, universities, municipalities, and renewable energy developers. Clients have praised his ability to find practical solutions that keep their businesses moving forward.
Russell negotiates and drafts construction contracts for clients throughout the country and internationally. His experience includes engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracts, design-build contracts, and multiyear, multiphase projects. His focus on developing and implementing proactive solutions for each project helps his clients avoid many of the customary pitfalls in construction projects.
Russell also represents clients in homebuilding, life sciences, and other industries on the full range of their real estate needs. He advises on project acquisition, development agreements, zoning and land use, construction, leasing, and dispute resolution, including class action litigation. He has resolved disputes involving scheduling and delay claims, construction defect claims, retaining wall and foundation failures, mold and indoor air quality claims, lien claims, and payment disputes.
Finally, his extensive experience and contacts in the municipal arena provide his clients a unique perspective in connection with land use and zoning, where he regularly represents developers, homebuilders, municipalities, and other clients. His municipal background also informs his approach to development agreements, which he has deep experience negotiating.
Russell served as mayor of the Town of Knightdale from 2007 to 2015 and was president of the Wake County Mayors Association in 2011 and 2015. He served as an interim member of the Knightdale Town Council in 2019 and previously served as a councilor from 2003 to 2007.