Michael D.O. Rusco, J.D. LL.M.
University of Wisconsin. Admitted Texas.
Mike Rusco has over fourteen years of high-stakes experience in litigation, appeals, personal injury, business counseling, contracts, and employment, with particular expertise in written advocacy, oral advocacy, complex analysis, and litigation strategy. All attorneys are trained in his research and drafting methods. He oversees quality assurance on all Rusco Law work product.
Prof. Rusco also has extensive law teaching experience, including courses on Legal Writing, Legal Research, Contract Drafting, Litigation Drafting, Civil Procedure, Contracts, UCC Article 2, Conflict of Laws, and Business Formation and Governance. He has published articles in scholarly journals on Indian law and legal writing.
growth, simplified: Elite research, analysis, drafting, and support services
Steve Harkess, J.D. University of Denver. Admitted Colorado and Wisconsin.
Steve Harkess brings over twenty years of litigation experience in family law, commercial litigation, bankruptcy, and personal injury. He clerked for District Court Judge Deanna Hickman in Arapahoe County, Colorado. He has handled jury trials in state and federal court involving multi-million-dollar claims.
Steve has filed appellate briefs in the Colorado Court of Appeals, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals and the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. He has argued before the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Jessica Simon, J.D. Ohio Northern University. Admitted New York.
Jessica Simon comes to Rusco Law with seven years of litigation experience. Her background includes several government positions and a clerkship with a Justice of the New York State Supreme Court. During the clerkship, Jessica assisted the Court in significant criminal and civil matters, including a product liability case that resulted in the largest jury verdict in New York State in 2024. This experience provides a practical understanding of trial and motion practice and the judicial process, which informs Jessica's approach to litigation.
Robert J. Im, J.D., University of California. Admitted California and nevada.
Robert J. Im is a civil litigator licensed in California and Nevada with eleven-plus years of experience representing businesses, financial institutions, property owners, and individuals. He has practice commercial, real estate, consumer, and personal injury law in state and federal courts. He has substantial motion and appellate experience—including briefing and arguing dispositive motions and handling appeals in the Ninth Circuit and California Court of Appeal.
Brandon Hernandez, J.D., University of San Diego. Admitted California.
Brandon Hernandez has been practicing in California for three-plus years in the areas of General Litigation, Family Law, and Business Litigation. Brandon has courtroom experience that covers all phases of litigation, from filing through verdict. He has favorably settled many cases and prioritizes client communication.
Artrice Pray, J.D. Southern University Law Center. Law Clerk.
Artrice Pray brings over five years of legal experience to Rusco Law. He worked in the special litigation unit of the Orleans Parish Public Defenders Office, and currently clerks for District Court Judge Leon Roché II. Artrice regularly handles appellate briefs, voir dire, and legal memoranda. He is a passionate public servant, a former student of Prof. Rusco, and excited to make his mark on the legal profession.
