Mr. Wunderli started mediating in 1995 while he was actively practicing law. Over the years, he earned the respect of his colleagues in the legal community and as a result, they called him to mediate their cases that were coming up for trial. His passion for mediation and success at resolving disputes led him to become a full-time neutral in 2012.

During his 30-plus years of experience as a trial lawyer, he represented plaintiffs, defendants, individuals, local and national companies, and public entities, covering a broad range of disputes involving matters such as vehicular accidents, products liability, premises liability, construction defects/accidents, contract disputes, real estate, employment, medical malpractice, environmental law, ADA disputes, and unfair business practices.

Since becoming a full-time mediator, Russ has gained a reputation for taking a personalized approach to each dispute. He is known for his analytical and intuitive skills and for having a warm, calm, and empathetic style. One attorney stated, “We appreciate your tireless efforts and superb personal approach to the individuals involved. Your ability to connect with everyone present and move negotiations forward in a methodical, logical, and non-confrontational fashion greatly facilitated in the successful resolution of this case.”

Practice Areas
  • All Types of Personal Injury including Wrongful Death
  • Business/Contractual Disputes
  • Construction Defect
  • Employment
  • Government Liability
  • Product Liability
  • Professional Negligence
  • Real Property
Hobbies & Interests

Russ enjoys all kinds of sports, especially baseball, having previously played collegiately at CSUS and semi-professionally in Sacramento. He also enjoys biking, hiking and golfing, and attending River Cats, Giants and Kings games with his family.

Legal Career
  • Mediator, Judicate West (2019-Present)
  • Mediator, Wunderli Mediation Services (2012-Present)
  • Judge Pro Tem: El Dorado (2012-Present), Placer (2012-Present) & Sacramento (1995-Present) Counties
  • Panel Mediator, Sacramento (2007-Present) & Yuba (2013-Present) Counties
  • Partner, Porter Scott (1990-2011)
  • Associate, Porter, Scott, Weiberg & Delehant (1985-1990)
  • Associate, Hardy, Erich & Brown (1980-1985)
Education & Professional Affiliations
  • J.D., University of Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (1980)
  • B.A., California State University of Sacramento (1976)
  • Pepperdine University School of Law/Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, Continuing Education in Mediation (2012-2016, 2019)
  • Sacramento County Bar Association, ADR Section (2013-Present)
  • Placer County Bar Association (2013-Present)
  • American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Fellow
  • Resolute Systems, LLC, Panel Member (2012-Present)
  • Association for Dispute Resolution of Northern California, Member (2013-2015)
Achievements & Awards
  • Peer Review Rating, AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell (2001-Present)
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution, Northern California Super Lawyers (2010-2020)
  • Named "Top Lawyer" - Mediation, Sacramento Magazine (2015-Present)
Below is a sampling of the various matters Russ J. Wunderli, Esq. handled as a practicing attorney or neutral.
Mr. Wunderli continues to be one of the most effective and reliable mediators my firm uses.
- Attorney on an Employment Discrimination case
Russ was thoughtful and patient. We made progress at the mediation settlement and resolved the case shortly afterward.
- Litigation Attorney at a Fortune 500 Company
Great mediator. Listens and is fair. I enjoyed working with Russ.
- Attorney on a Legally Complex Employment Wage and Hour Case
Russ J. Wunderli, Esq.
Based in Northern California
Case Manager: Rebecca Hoefer