Contracts & Transactions
"Risky" is the word clients use when talking about not having the proper contracts in place. The right contract gives a business owner confidence.
Learn more about contracts
Legal Strategist to Small Business
Practicing law in the Tampa Bay area since 1997. Providing trusted counsel in business contracts, transactions, and entity formation.
Core ValuesKnowledge ·Integrity ·Care
29+Years of Experience
About The Firm
“Communication is the key to managing the client relationship.
Meet Joe Russo
It all starts with communication. As much as people would like to think that a client just wants to be told what they want to hear, most successful people want to know what your opinion is or they would not ask.
Essential to communication is listening, a necessary skill for any trusted advisor. When you listen you connect with your client. Clients have concerns that need to be addressed or they would not be seeking your services.
I always tell people what I really do is manage “emotion.” It is our job to listen through the emotion and guide the client to the logical reality and at the same time, understand their sensitivity to the issue.
Recognition & Affiliations
Tampa Style Magazine "Top Men in Law" 2025
Florida Bar Association Member
Past President, Small Business Resource Network
USF SBDC Business Legal Series Presenter
U.S. District Court — Middle, Northern & Southern Districts
Education
University of South Florida
B.A. cum laude, 1993
Law School
Mercer University
J.D. 1997
Your Business Matters
No Business Is Too Big or Small
Whether you're a startup founder, growing entrepreneur, or established business owner, Joe Russo provides personalized legal counsel tailored to your unique needs. With 29+ years of experience serving Tampa Bay businesses, he understands what it takes to protect and grow your venture.
Personalized legal strategies for your business stage
Direct access to Joe on every matter
Proactive counsel to prevent problems
Fair and transparent fee structures
How We Help
Practice Areas
From formation to acquisition, we provide comprehensive legal support for small businesses at every stage of their journey.
Asset Sales
Buying or selling a business is truly a daunting task. Education is the key to a successful transaction.
Learn more about asset salesBusiness Entities
Each entity has different management, tax and ownership advantages. Consultation is essential to choose the right structure.
Learn more about entitiesStart-Ups
There is a lot of misinformation regarding starting up a business. We make sure clients have accurate information to succeed.
Learn more about start-upsYour Secret WeaponBusiness
Business
SecureTM
Do you have the secret weapon when it comes to long-term business strategy?
Business Secure is a monthly program, designed exclusively for the small business owner in the Tampa Bay area. It not only handles legal issues as they arise, but prevents legal problems before they happen.
Program Benefits
- Handles legal issues as they arise
- Prevents legal problems before they happen
- Access to a network of business professionals
- Strategic guidance for long-term success
- Focus on growing your business
- Monthly program designed for small business
“With Business Secure, you can be certain that the legal decisions you make today will benefit you tomorrow.”
— Joseph C. Russo, Esq.
Recognition
Tampa Style Magazine “Top Men in Law”
Joseph C. Russo, Esq., a trusted legal strategist dedicated to empowering small businesses throughout the Tampa Bay area, was recently honored as one of Tampa Style Magazine's “Top Men in Law” in the March/April 2025 issue.
This prestigious recognition underscores Joseph's commitment to excellence, innovation, and client-focused legal solutions tailored specifically for the unique needs of small businesses.
Featured for his pioneering approach with Business Secure™, Joseph has transformed traditional legal services by proactively addressing legal challenges before they occur.
March/April 2025 Issue
USF SBDC Series
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USF Small Business Development CenterWatch on YouTube
Educational Series
A Whole New Level of Small Business Education
This video series was filmed on location at the Small Business Development Center at the University of South Florida. Designed for small business owners who want to learn more about crucial business topics.
01Business Entity Selection
02Taxation Principles
03Business Lifecycle Decisions
04Legal Strategy Planning
Get In Touch
Contact Joe Russo
“Essential to communication is listening, a necessary skill for any trusted advisor.”
Phone
813.832.9790Office
Joseph C. Russo, P.A., Attorney at Law3708 West Euclid Ave
Tampa, FL 33629Get directions
Fax: 813.832.9739