Russell, English, Scoma & Beneke, a Professional Corporation, traces its heritage through three families’ proud and longstanding association with the practice of law.

The Johnson Family began its service to the Princeton Community in 1883 when Watts A. Johnson began the practice of law. He was followed by his nephew, Carey R. Johnson, in 1910. In 1960, Watts Johnson, Senator Joseph R. Peterson and Donald C. Martin formed a law partnership.

The Russell family was first represented in the Princeton legal community when Rolla L. Russell began the practice of law in 1897. Judge Russell was later joined by two of his sons, William and Fred.

In 1969, Watts Johnson, Donald Martin and Fred G. Russell formed a partnership, known as Johnson, Martin & Russell. Mr. Russell’s nephew, Daniel K. Russell, joined the firm in 1971, and his son, Robert F. Russell, joined the firm in 1974. In 1980, Michael L. English became a member of the firm, with Paul M. Scoma joining the firm in 1982.

The Skinner family has enjoyed the longest history of practicing law in Princeton. Joseph I. Taylor established his law practice in 1847. He was followed by his son-in-law, George S. Skinner, in 1879. In 1913, George’s son, Josef T. Skinner, joined him; and Josef’s son, George S. Skinner, joined the practice in 1952. In 1982, William S. Beneke, son-in-law of George S. Skinner, joined the family practice which became known as Skinner & Beneke. Following Mr. Skinner’s death, Skinner & Beneke merged with Johnson, Martin & Russell on February 1, 1988, and became Johnson, Martin, Russell, English, Scoma & Beneke, a Professional Corporation.

In 1994 Donald C. Martin retired, with Watts C. Johnson retiring in 1995. On January 1, 1998, the law firm began practicing under the name of Russell, English, Scoma & Beneke, a Professional Corporation. As presently constituted, members of the firm are Robert F. Russell, Michael L. English, William S. Beneke and Andrew M. Russell. Megan M. Fitzgerald became associated with the firm in 2023. Paul M. Scoma retired as a partner at the end of 2010, and Daniel K. Russell retired as partner at the end of 2021. Dan remains of counsel.