Education, Awards and Honors
- Auburn University, B.A. Pre Law/Political Science(1987)
- University of Alabama School of Law, J.D. (1990)
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- Moot Court Board
- Trial Advocacy Competition Team
George Peach Taylor Outstanding National Trial Team Award
- District Judge of Lee County, (2001-2025)
- Coursework at the National Judicial College and in the Alabama Judicial College
- Instructor, New Judge Orientation
Bar Admissions
- Alabama State Bar (1990)
- Lee County Bar Association (1990)
- United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama (1990)
- Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals (1992)
Of Interest
A lifelong Alabamian, Russell was born in Dadeville, lived in Anniston for eight years, and moved to Opelika at age twelve, which has been home ever since. Russell graduated from Opelika High School in 1983, before attending college and law school.
Upon admission to the bar, Russell worked in Opelika for the Herndon & Dean law firm, then for the firm of Walker, Hill, Adams, Umbach, Meadows & Walton before entering solo practice in 1997. Russell represented clients in all Alabama trial and appellate courts, the Federal District Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of the United States. In 2000, Russell was elected District Judge of Lee County; he was subsequently re-elected to three additional six-year terms. Judge Bush presided over criminal, civil, traffic, small claims and family law cases, at both the District Court and Circuit Court levels. Russell has been active at the officer level in the Opelika-Auburn JayCees, the Opelika Kiwanis Club, the Lee County Auburn Club, the Museum of East Alabama and the American Red Cross, where he has donated over 23 gallons of blood.
Russell has been married since 1999 to Karen, a teacher for 34 years, at Beauregard High School (5 years), Opelika High School (29 years), and recently at Lee-Scott Academy (2025 – ). Proud and active parents of two daughters (and a son in-law), Russell and Karen are also active in civic affairs and the First Methodist Church of Opelika, where Russell has been chair of Trustees, the Administrative Board, served on Building Committees and the Leadership Board. Russell has sung in his church choir since age 16 and in the East Alabama Arts Association Civic Chorale since 2001. Russell enjoys outdoor activities and Auburn sports.