Russell was admitted to the Bar in 1987 after spending two years with Malleson Stephen Jaques, solicitors and one year as in-house counsel with the Shell Co. of Australia. In his time at the Bar Russell has developed a commercial practice predominantly in the areas of trade practices, insolvency, corporations law, banking and finance, building and construction law and contract. He has also developed a speciality in superannuation litigation.

Russell is currently developing a practice in intellectual property and the internet and is completing a Masters degree in that field.

Russell is an accredited mediator.

Russell appears in all superior Court jurisdictions and appeared as junior counsel for the Commonwealth Bank of Australia in the Royal Commission into the Tricontinental Group of Companies.