Russell came to the Bar in 1982 with experience in private practice and government. Between 1964 and 1976 he was employed by the National Bank. He studied law at Monash University between 1965 and 1969. He completed articles and a year's practice at Messrs. Pavey Wilson Cohen & Carter in common law and workers compensation. In 1972 he returned to the Bank and was involved at senior levels with various matters, particularly relating to property development, banking and finance, personnel, securities and insurance.

In 1976 he joined Messrs. Phillips Fox and Masel specialising in banking and finance and insurance. He was, later, an associate of that firm.

In 1980 he took up a position as Deputy Comptroller of Stamps in Victoria. In this position, in addition to his managerial functions, he assisted in the formulation of policy and drafting of legislature and passing that legislature through Parliament.

He signed the Roll of Counsel in 1982 and was appointed one of Her Majesty's Counsel in 1999.

He has a wide general commercial practice involving banking and finance, wills, company law, partnership, property law, leases, trusts, insurance, professional negligence, equity and trade practices. He has specialised in state taxation matters representing both the taxpayer and the State Taxation Office. He has a growing interest in GST and related issues.

Reported cases in which he has appeared include Giannarelli & Shulkes v Wraith [1988] 165 CLR 543; Giannarelli v Wraith (No.2 ) [1991] 171 CLR 592; Nettlefold Advertising Pty Ltd v Nettlefold Signs Pty Ltd (1998) 90 FCR 453; Biztole Developments Pty Ltd v Mc Lean (1995) 57 FCR 36; Moffett v Dillon (1999) 2 VR 480; Roy Morgan Research Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Payroll Tax (1997) 97 ATC 5070; Clenae v ANZ Bank (2000) 75 ALJR 277; Dimos v Willetts (2000) 2 VR 170 and Roy Morgan Research Centre Pty Ltd v Commissioner of State Revenue(Vic) (2001) 75 ALJR 1342.

He is a Graded Arbitrator and an Accredited Mediator.

He is admitted to practice in the ACT, WA and Tas.