Russell announces candidacy for Lincoln County Circuit Court judge

Attorney Robert Russell has announced that he will be a candidate for Lincoln County Circuit Court Judge Branch II. The election for that position will take place in April of 2013. Russell has practiced law in Lincoln County for 20 years and is currently the owner of Russell Law Office, a Limited Liability S.C., located at 100 S. Court St. in Merrill. The law office was founded by his father, George Russell, who worked as a Merrill attorney for over 50 years.

Russell is a Merrill native and graduated from Merrill High School in 1981. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and received his Juris Doctor degree from Northern Illinois University School of Law. He is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin and also the Lincoln County Bar Association, where he served two terms as president.

During his 20 years of practicing law, Russell has provided legal representation for numerous individuals, businesses, financial institutions, non-profit organizations and municipalities. His experience includes the area of criminal law, family law, collections, real estate, business organizations, state planning, probate, and guardianships, Russell has represented his clients in court trials and jury trials, having jury trial experience in Lincoln, Langlade and Taylor counties. He currently serves as the Lincoln County Family Court Commissioner.

Russell has also been actively involved in the community, currently serving on the Board of Directors of the Good Samaritan Health Center Foundation. He is also a member of the Merrill Rotary Club and has assisted the Merrill Historical Society with their new building expansion. Russell previously served on the Board of Directors for the Merrill Chamber of Commerce, where he also served as President. He is a former director for Habitat for Humanity, American Cancer Society, Merrill Area United Way, and the HELP Center of Merrill. He also served on the Zoning Board of Appeals for the city of Merrill. Russell lives in Merrill with his two children, Kylie and Eric. His wife, Kim (Osness), is deceased. His children have attended Merrill schools and currently attend Merrill High School. Russell and his children live in a fourth generation home that was built by his great grandfather. He and his children are members of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Merrill.

In his free time, Russell enjoys spending time with his children and following their various activities. He has coached in the youth Little League, soccer and flag football leagues. Russell also enjoys hunting on his family property in New Wood, and fishing on the Prairie River and the lakes of Harrison Hills.

In announcing his candidacy, Russell said "Growing up in Lincoln County and practicing law in Lincoln County for 20 years has allowed me to serve the residents of Lincoln County from both a legal perspective and also outside the law office in the community. I feel this knowledge and experience would be of great benefit to the residents of Lincoln County while serving as a Circuit Court judge. I would view serving as Lincoln County Circuit Court Judge as a continuation of my service to the good, hard-working residents of this county. I also feel that my experience in numerous areas of the law will give me the unique advantage of having some familiarity with most cases that come before a Circuit Court judge."