Parsons Behle & Latimer

Russell J. Gallian is a deeply-experienced attorney and CPA with more than 50 years’ experience in estate planning and probate; municipal law and real estate development. Mr. Gallian builds enduring relationships with clients to ensure their assets are protected and create a lasting legacy for families and loved ones.

Capabilities

Biography

Russell J. Gallian has practiced law for 50 years since his graduation from the University of San Francico Law School in 1974. Prior to that Mr. Gallian practiced as a CPA with Arthur Andersen and Co. He graduated first in his law school class of 1974. His practice has emphasized municipal law, real estate development and estate planning and probate.

Mr. Gallian has served as city attorney for a number of Utah cities and towns including Tooele City, Santa Clara City, Ivins City, Town of Rockville. He has formed several Fire Districts in Washington County, Utah. His public service includes his election as County Commissioner of Washinton County, Utah where he was charged with overseeing the establishment of a federally approved Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), working with the federal government to resolve Endangered Species Act issues including the desert tortoise.

Mr. Gallian's practice has involved a significant amount of work establishing homeowner’s associations and assisting in their ongoing legal needs. His current practice is focused in estate planning and probate.

Accomplishments

Academic

University of San Francisco School of Law, First in Class 1974

Bancroft Whitney award as the outstanding graduate of 1974
McAuliffe Honor Society
Author, Federal Tax Aspects of Variable Life Insurance, 8 USF Law Review, Spring

University of San Francisco, B.S. Accounting 1969

Dean’s List

Professional

Certified public accountant, California

City Attorney for Tooele, Utah, 1979-1980

Biography selected for inclusion in numerous “Who’s Who” publications

Town Attorney for:

Ivins, Utah, 1981-2000

Springdale, 1987-1989

Rockville, 1987

Santa Clara, 2002

Served on two legislative committees, which led to new legislation in Utah:

1. Timeshare Legislative Committee (1982)

2. Impact fee Legislative Committee (1995)

Associations

Professional

Utah State Bar Association, member and chairperson for three spring conventions

Toole County Bar Association president, 1979

Southern Utah Bar Association, president elect and president. 1986 – 1987

Community

Tooele Planning Commission, 1979

Board of Doctors Volunteer Clinic, Board member and pro bono attorney (providing medical and dental care to the poor)

Member: Utah Timeshare Legislation Committee, 1982-1984

Incorporated the Town of Rockville. 1987

Springdale, Rockville Fire District, 1991

County Economic Development Council, 1993-1996

Dixie Center Control Board, 1993-1996

Washington County Commissioner, 1993-1996

Chaired committee re: Washington County Habitat Conservation plan re endangered species including desert tortoise
Formed five new fire districts in rural Washington County to provide funding for volunteer fire departments
Helped acquire funding for badly-needed new jail, and oversaw design
Chaired Washington County Economic Development council
Secured land and funding to build and operate the Dove Center (a residential sanctuary for abused women)

Washington County Habitat Conservation Plan Steering Committee, 1993-1999

Insights

Parsons Behle & Latimer’s St. George Office Earns Top Honors in 2026 Best of Southern Utah Awards

Parsons Behle & Latimer Continues Pattern of Strategic Growth with New Office in St. George, Utah

Credentials

Licensed

California

U.S. Dist. Court, Northern Dist. of California

Utah

U.S. Dist. Court, Dist. of Utah

U.S. Court of Appeals, 10th Circuit

U.S. Supreme Court

Education

University of San Francisco School of Law