Russell C. Savrann
Practice Emphasis
246 Goose Lane, Suite 201
Guilford, CT 06437
BAR ADMISSIONS
Connecticut, 2004; New York, 2003; Massachusetts, 1987; Florida, 1988
______________________________________________________________________Russ is a member of the firm’s Hospitality Industry Group. He works with hotel and restaurant clients on strategic planning, transactions, franchising and operational matters, including mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, corporate organization, management agreements, franchise, beverage licensing, intellectual property, sales, marketing, construction and procurement. Russ has worked with national and international developers and hospitality companies on global transactions in Argentina, Costa Rica, Fiji and Mexico, as well as condo-hotel and mixed-use resort projects throughout the United States.
Russ currently serves as counsel for the National Association of Condo Hotel Owners, Northview Hotel Group, Hay Creek Hospitality, and assisted the start up of these companies with strategic and business planning, corporate organization and compliance, employment, capitalization and joint venture partnerships.
In addition to hospitality law, Russ has experience in the areas of real estate, technology, employment, commercial litigation and bankruptcy.
Prior to joining Graham & Dunn in 2005, Russ served as Vice President and Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. from 2000-2005, where he represented several business groups, including development, sales and marketing, group business, intellectual property (worldwide), operations, food & beverage, architecture, design and construction, technology (Galaxy Hotel Systems and STARS) and procurement.
As Acting General Counsel, Director of Legal Affairs and Corporate Secretary at The Ground Round, Inc., from 1994-2000 Russ served within the executive management team of a national franchise company that owned, managed and franchised over 200 casual dining restaurants throughout the USA and Canada. During Russ’ term, Ground Round was a public company, was taken private, sold and refinanced.
PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS
Co-Author, “Troubled Condo Hotel Workouts - The Time Has Arrived,” Cyber-Graham (July 25, 2008).
Presenter, “Inside, Outside, and Upside-Down: Safety, Security and Crisis Management,” Meeting Professional International Symposium, New York. March 25, 2008.
Moderator, "Qualify Green," Green Hospitality Conference, Dallas. March 14, 2008.
Panelist, "Mixed Use Developments," Green Hospitality Conference, Dallas. March 13, 2008.
Presenter, "Developing a Lifestyle Brand; Legal and Business Considerations," University of Massachusetts Isenberg School of Business, Department of Hospitality Tourism and Management. February 25, 2008.
Panelist, "Successful Mixed-use Projects," The Lodging Conference, Phoenix, Arizona. September 27, 2007.
Presenter, “Special Considerations when Negotiating and Drafting Purchase Agreements for Hotels and Resorts,” Hospitality Law Conference, Houston. February 8, 2007.
Presenter, “Sidestepping SEC Trouble: Complying with Securities Laws,” ACI Condo-Hotel Conference, Florida. November 30, 2006.
Presenter, “The Deal is the Real Thing - Experts Review Real Deals,” International Hotel Conference, Rome. October 12, 2006.
Presenter, “International Legal Considerations,” HSMAI World Quest, Seattle. August 4, 2006.
Presenter, “International Security Measures, HSMAI World Quest, New York. July 24, 2006.
Presenter, “International Legal Considerations,” HSMAI World Quest, New York. July 24, 2006.
Presenter, “Condo Hotel Rental Agreements,” Hospitality Law Conference, Houston. February 2, 2006.
Presenter, “Current Hotel Industry Trends and Legal Effects,” International Society of Hotel Association Executives, Phoenix. December 8, 2005.
PROFESSIONAL & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Advisory Council, Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Isenberg School of Management, University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Founder, Northeast Lodging Roundtable
Member, American Bar Association, Real Property, Probate and Trust Section, Hospitality, Community Recreation and Common Interest Developments Group
Member, Massachusetts State Bar Association
Member, Florida State Bar Association
Member, New York State Bar Association
Member, Connecticut State Bar Association
EDUCATION
J.D., Suffolk University School of Law, 1987
B.A., Emory University, 1984
