Madison, WI – The State Bar of Wisconsin’s Senior Lawyers Division (SLD) has named La Crosse Attorney David Russell as the recipient of the organization’s 2016 Leonard L. Loeb Award.
The award recognizes a Wisconsin lawyer, 60-years or older, who’s made significant contributions to the legal community, has shown respect for the legal system and has demonstrated a love for the law and what it seeks to accomplish.
For more information contact Katie Stenz, public relations coordinator, State Bar of Wisconsin. She can be reached at org kstenz wisbar wisbar kstenz org, or by phone at (608) 250-6025.
Russell was nominated for the award by several prominent La Crosse-area groups for his contributions to the community, as well as the high level of professionalism and care that he’s given to his legal practice over the years.
“David is one of the most genuine lawyers you’ll meet,” said SLD President Mark Petri. “Throughout the more than three decades he’s been practicing, David’s proven that he has what it takes to be an exemplary steward of the law, all while helping La Crosse citizens solve their legal problems.”
In addition to practicing in several areas at Hale Skemp Hanson Skemp & Sleik, Russell manages to dedicate much of his free time to helping others. In 2006, he recruited volunteer lawyers and started a free monthly legal clinic in La Crosse, which he still manages today.
For the past 30 years, he’s served as a farm mediation specialist, helping farmers deal with credit issues. He’s also been an integral member of the Greater La Crosse Boys & Girls Club board of directors. In his time at the Boys & Girls Club, Russell helped create a joint recreational building between the Boys & Girls Club and Viterbo University – the first project of its kind in the nation.
He also serves on the board of directors of Legal Action of Wisconsin, a statewide law firm providing free civil legal services to low income people in 39 counties. And, for 15 years, he’s taught a business law class at UW-La Crosse.
Through his involvement in his church, First Baptist, Russell helped find a home for La Crosse’s Winter Warming Centre and El Centro Latino.
“It’s no wonder that David is the recipient of this year’s Leonard L. Loeb Award,” Petri said. “Not many lawyers take time to give back. I hope that David serves as an example of what it truly means to be a Wisconsin lawyer.”
Russell is set to receive the Leonard L. Loeb Award at the State Bar’s Annual Meeting & Conference on Thursday, June 16 at 5:30 p.m. at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay.
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