Welcome to ILN-terviews, a series of profiles of ILN member firm attorneys, designed to give a unique insight into the lawyers who make up our Network.

For our latest interview, we chose ILN member, David Williams Russell of Harrison & Moberly LLP in Indianapolis, Indiana.

In one sentence, how would you describe your practice?
I am a transactions and securities lawyer handling complex matters (including dispute resolution) in the U.S. and abroad.

Who would be your typical client?
Principally technology and manufacturing companies and financial institutions.

What would you like clients and potential clients to know about you?
In addition to my comprehensive grasp of business law, I hold an M.B.A. from Dartmouth (Tuck), and once managed a college; so I afford practical business savvy and experience with solid legal services.

What has been your most challenging case? Why?
I once took on an appeal from the worst possible result in a trial in bankruptcy court and made such a persuasive argument for reversal that my client wound up settling for more money than he had been sued for.

What has been your proudest moment as a lawyer?
As a pro bono volunteer, I helped a disabled Vietnam veteran suffering post-traumatic shock syndrome and his wife avoid obligations under a home purchase contract they had been swindled into signing. They had been absolutely distraught, and their tears of joy and delight at being relieved of this burden remain with me still.

What do you do when you’re not practicing law?
I am Vice Chairman of a foundation dedicated to establishing a new university in Cameroon. I write the annual updates to the four volume West Publishing Indiana business law treatises. I serve on the advisory board of the Supply Chain & Global Management Academy of the Kelley M.B.A. program at Indiana University. I hold a federal appointment as Chairman of the Indiana District Export Counsel.

What would surprise people most about you?
I am a published poet.

What has been your most memorable ILN experience?
It has been an incredibly rewarding experience to have had the opportunity to establish close, personal relationships with so many outstanding lawyers throughout the world during the time I have been privileged to participate in ILN. I am very grateful for the many courtesies and kindnesses of which I, and my law firm, have been the recipients as a result of our connection with ILN.

What career would you have chosen if you weren’t a lawyer?
I would have been an educator (in a way, I have been).

If a movie were made out of your life, who would you want to play you?
Steve McQueen (if he were alive).

How would you like to be remembered?
As someone who helped others reach solutions to their problems.