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About Us
Attorney and Owner
Russell D. Knight, Esq.
Russell D. Knight has practiced divorce and family law exclusively for nearly two decades, representing clients in a wide range of matters across Illinois and Florida. Born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada, Russell moved to the United States with his family in 1991. He founded The Law Office of Russell D. Knight, serving clients throughout the Chicagoland area, and later expanded the firm to Naples, Florida, where he now spends most of his time.
Russell handles divorce, child custody, child support, and other family law matters, including both uncontested and contested cases. He has written more than 700 articles on Illinois and Florida family law, and NBC News, Newsweek, Inc. Magazine, and Parents Magazine have quoted him on family law issues. The Illinois State Bar Association has published his work, and he wrote a chapter on orders of protection for the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education.
Outside the office, Russell enjoys running, cooking, and learning new languages, and spends his free time with his children. An avid student of his own field, he continues to read and research family law across both Illinois and Florida.
Professional Experience
- Faculty Member, Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education, Trial Training for Family Lawyers
- Founder and Owner, The Law Office of Russell D. Knight, Chicago, Illinois, and Naples, Florida
- Author, IICLE Family Law: Dissolution of Marriage Court Proceedings, 2024 Edition (Chapter 3 — Obtaining Orders of Protection)
Court Admissions
- State of Illinois
- State of Florida
Education
- University of Illinois College of Law, J.D., 2006
- Bradley University, B.S., Business Computer Systems, 2000
Advanced Trial Training
- National Family Law Trial Institute, Kolodny Trial Skills Course (8-day)
- National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA), Deposition Course
- Advanced Cross-Examination Program
Honors and Recognition
- Selected, Best Lawyers in America, Family Law, 2024 to Present
- Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion
Highly recommend! Terry DeSalvo Jr., Esq. is a highly skilled, professional divorce attorney. He has expansive understanding and…
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Managing Partner – Florida Office
Terry DeSalvo Jr., Esq.
Terry DeSalvo Jr. is a family law attorney with more than a decade of experience representing families throughout Southwest Florida in divorce, alimony, child custody, and other family law matters, including high-net-worth cases. Originally from Youngstown, Ohio, Terry moved to Southwest Florida in 2003 and represents clients across Lee, Charlotte, and Collier counties.
Before joining The Law Office of Russell Knight as Senior Partner, he practiced solely as family law attorney for over a decade in other SWFL area firms including as a partner in another Naples family law firm, where he represented clients in a broad range of family law matters. He is known for his compassionate, patient approach and his commitment to helping clients achieve favorable outcomes.
In his personal life, Terry enjoys fishing, spending time with his family, and following the Cleveland Browns.
Professional Experience
- Senior Partner, The Law Office of Russell Knight, Naples, Florida
- Former Partner, Naples, Florida family law firm
- Former Associate, SWFL family law firm
- Certified Legal Intern, State Attorney's Office, 20th Judicial Circuit (tried and won first case as a 3L)
- Judicial Intern to the Honorable James R. Adams, Lee County
Court Admissions
- State of Florida
- State of Montana
Education
- Florida Coastal School of Law, J.D. (cum laude; Top 14% of class)
- Florida Gulf Coast University, B.A., 2007 (magna cum laude)
Professional Associations
- The Florida Bar, Member in Good Standing since 2013
- State Bar of Montana, Member in Good Standing since 2020
Honors and Recognition
- Avvo Client’s Choice 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
- Florida Rising Stars List, Super Lawyers (top 2.5% of attorneys under 40) 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Terry was professional, passionate and very knowledgeable. I hired him for child custody representation between wo states and it worked…
J.H.
Partner
Seth LaPidus, Esq.
Seth LaPidus is a partner attorney at The Law Office of Russell Knight. Licensed in both Illinois and Florida, he represents clients across the firm’s Chicago and Naples offices in divorce, child custody, child support, and other family law matters.
Seth has completed the National Family Law Trial Institute’s intensive Kolodny Trial Skills Course to strengthen his trial advocacy skills. He also serves as a presenter for HalfMoon Education’s continuing education program, Illinois Family Law Practice for Paralegals.
Professional Experience
- Associate Attorney, The Law Office of Russell Knight, Chicago, Illinois, and Naples, Florida
- Presenter, HalfMoon Education, "Illinois Family Law Practice for Paralegals"
Court Admissions
- State of Illinois
- State of Florida
Education
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Law, J.D., 2016
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, B.S., Integrative Biology, 2013
Professional Associations
- National Family Law Trial Institute, Kolodny Trial Skills Course (8-day)
I left a voicemail and Russell called me back, he quickly answered my question pertaining to custody law. His quick and free legal advice…
B.S.
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Associate
Edgar Perez, Esq.
As a Florida native, Edgar has called Southwest Florida home for over 25 years. Edgar earned his undergraduate degree from Florida Gulf Coast University before attending Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University College of Law, where he refined his interest in advocacy and public service. During law school, Edgar was involved with the Hispanic American Law Student Association and Advocates for Immigrant and Human Rights. Joining those organizations allowed him to engage with issues affecting diverse communities and further developed his passion for helping others navigate the legal system. Edgar has been with the firm for the past two years, beginning his legal career here as a Legal Assistant and now transitioning to an Associate Attorney. Outside of the office, Edgar enjoys following his favorite sports teams, particularly Manchester United and the Indianapolis Colts. He also enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring Florida’s many nature trails. Edgar is fluent in English and Spanish.
Needed a prenuptial agreement done quickly and he delivered. Very happy with his prompt replies, staff, and transparent and honest billing…
R.S.
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Associate
Eduard Winner, Esq.
Eduard (Eddie) Winner earned his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Illinois College of Law. During law school, he represented the College of Law nationally as a member of the Trial Team, participated in the First Amendment Clinic, served as a legal research assistant, and competed in negotiation and client counseling competitions. In his free time, Eddie hosted Interviewing the Law, a podcast featuring Illinois Supreme Court justices and law professors, and captained the law school’s intramural soccer team.
Before law school, Eddie was a student-athlete at Illinois State University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Peace and Conflict Resolution. He served on the Student Government Association’s Judicial Committee and interned with the McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office. Eddie is a triple NCAA Division I Conference Champion in pole vaulting.
Eddie is fluent in English, Hebrew, and Russian. Outside of the office, he enjoys tennis, chess, camping, and playing the guitar.
Mr. Terry DeSalvo was a steady, supportive rock through my long and complex divorce involving multiple businesses. During a fearful time, he…
L.N.
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