Law Bulletins

Russell C. Menyhart
- E rmenyhart@taftlaw.com
- T (317) 713-9423
- F (317) 713-3699
Summary
Russell solves problems for clients with an emphasis on complex international matters and highly-regulated industries. A substantial part of his practice focuses on compliance with U.S. cross-border trade and investment laws, including the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), export controls (EAR and ITAR), OFAC sanctions, and customs/tariffs compliance. His work has included helping a client avoid criminal and civil penalties related to alleged nuclear isotope trafficking to Iran, negotiating the exit of a U.S. citizen trapped in China, and obtaining national security clearances for foreign companies investing in the U.S. He helps clients facing aggressive U.S. enforcement agencies, multi-million dollar disputes with foreign partners, and complex litigation.
Russell chairs Taft’s International Trade and CFIUS practice groups and has significant experience assisting with international mergers and acquisitions. His trade work includes advising clients on mapping out tariff exposure, conducting due diligence on international business partners, and analyzing the application of export controls on client products and technology.
Russell believes that few international disputes are purely legal — most require sensitivity to cultural, political, and bureaucratic considerations (along with a deep understanding of the underlying law). He strives to “speak the language” of other parties, metaphorically and literally, whether a client is dealing with a U.S. or foreign enforcement agency, a foreign supplier or customer, or an adversary in the U.S. His goal is to resolve disputes in the client’s favor without undue expense of time or money.
Russell brings extensive international experience to Taft, including a decade as a diplomat with the U.S. State Department in China, Argentina, and Washington, D.C. His last diplomatic tour was as Political Unit Chief at the U.S. Consulate in Shanghai. Fluent in Mandarin Chinese, Russell regularly assists Chinese and other foreign companies with the legal aspects of investing in the U.S. and in resolving disputes here, including negotiating national security clearances. He is a prior participant in the Public Intellectual Program of the National Committee on United States-China Relations.
Russell also has practiced in constitutional, complex commercial, and appellate litigation. He has successfully advised clients in cases ranging from defending against class action lawsuits to defending the constitutionality of a state statute before the Indiana Supreme Court. He has also authored multiple amici briefs in federal and state courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.
He is also active in promoting the growth of purpose-driven companies and impact investing in Indiana. Co-founder of Taft’s social impact group, he advises social entrepreneurs on how legal structures, such as benefit corporations, can express and promote their values. This includes identifying the appropriate legal form for such entities, advising on expansion and fundraising and assisting with B Corp certification. Shortly after law school, he led an appeal, including an oral argument before the Indiana Court of Appeals, that resulted in a reversal on constitutional grounds for a defendant convicted of murder. He regularly takes on pro bono matters, ranging from obtaining clemency for a non-violent drug offender to helping a foreign human rights activist and his family apply for political asylum.
All Service Areas
All Practices
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Education
- Indiana University Maurer School of Law (2003)
- Lauterpacht Research Centre for International Law, Cambridge University, England
Visiting Scholar
- Oberlin College (1998)
B.A. – East Asian Studies, Chinese Language Concentration
Admissions
- State - Indiana
- State - New York
- Federal - Southern District of Indiana
- Federal - U.S. Supreme Court
- Federal - Court of International Trade
News
Six Questions for Assessing Potential Implications of Tariffs on Businesses News
Taft Assists U.S. Client in Securing CFIUS Clearance for Sale Transaction to Japanese Company News
Menyhart and Xu Presented at Webinar on Investing in the US News
Taft Acts as Counsel to Rhinestahl Corporation in Acquisition of HYRDO Systems KG
Past Events
Professional Affiliations
- Indianapolis Bar Association
Member
- Indy Chamber
Member, Board of Directors
- Benefit Company Bar Association
Member
Co-Chair, Funding and Investment Structures Committee - Indiana Advisory Committee for the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition
Member
- National Committee on United States–China Relations
Member
Fellow, Public Intellectuals Program - Customs and International Trade Association
Member
Community Involvement
- The International Center
Member, Board of Directors
- Matchbook Learning of Indiana
Chair, Board of Directors
- America China Society of Indiana
Member, Board of Directors
- Congress for the New Urbanism
Member
- Strong Towns
Member
- Stanley K. Lacy Leadership Series
Graduate, Class LX