Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Technology, Commercial and Government Affairs

Senior Policy Advisor - Corporate Finance and Transactions

David Russell developed his passion for the legislative process during eight short years of long days in the United States Senate. He brought his insights and experience to BCLP in 2006, where he provides regulatory, legislative, and political advice to a diverse range of clients.

A native of the Pacific Northwest, Mr. Russell held six titles working on the staff of Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK), including Chief of Staff, Legislative Director, and Chief Counsel for the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation under Chairman Stevens. He held the lead staff responsibility for major aviation and surface transportation reauthorizations, fisheries and marine environmental policies, energy development and regulation, technology policy, and homeland security, among others. Mr. Russell is equally at home in both the authorizing and appropriations arenas and has extensive experience with the Senate confirmation of presidential appointees, congressional committee hearings, and Senate floor procedure.

Since joining the firm, Mr. Russell has drafted and helped enact federal legislation, successfully created legislative history, obtained emergency federal permits, negotiated the closure of duplicative federal programs, secured federal funding for clients’ projects, and guided clients through complex administrative, legislative, and political predicaments.

More recently, Mr. Russell led the successful campaign to elect his wife to the School Board in Falls Church, VA, where they raise their two children. An avid CrossFitter, he can often be found in D.C. traffic jams enjoying the Grateful Dead channel or calling in (hands free) to his favorite soccer talk shows on satellite radio.

CIVIC INVOLVEMENT & HONORS The Hill Top 50 Lobbyist, 2011-2013