About
Russell is a trusted corporate lawyer who thrives at the intersection of business strategy, legal innovation and relationship-building. He is known for his practical and solutions-oriented approach, where he works closely with clients to navigate complex transactions, unlock opportunities and achieve their long-term ambitions. Russell combines analytical insight with clear and effective communication, delivering advice that is both commercially grounded and strategically focused.
Russell is a member of the firm's Capital Markets, Mergers & Acquisitions and Sports & Entertainment Groups. He advises clients on a wide range of business and corporate matters, including mergers and acquisitions, public and private financings, and other capital markets transactions. Russell regularly helps companies with public offerings, private placements, reverse takeovers and stock exchange listings on Nasdaq, the Toronto Stock Exchange, TSX Venture Exchange, Cboe Canada and the Canadian Securities Exchange. He also advises on securities compliance and corporate governance. Russell works with clients ranging from growing companies looking to expand their business to established public companies operating internationally.
Russell has developed a strong practice in sports law, advising professional sports teams, professional athletes, sports agencies, amateur sports leagues, investors, venue operators and sports-related businesses on a wide range of deals and partnerships. His experience includes sports-related acquisitions and investments, athlete representation and endorsement agreements, venue and facility transactions, and sponsorship deals, as well as the launch and growth of new sports and entertainment businesses. Russell is especially interested in helping athletes pursue opportunities beyond their playing careers, including business ventures and investment opportunities that create long-term value.
Outside of his legal practice, Russell is committed to making a meaningful impact in the community by actively supporting charitable initiatives. He also enjoys sharing his knowledge on corporate, securities and sports law through articles, presentations and thought leadership, helping clients and industry participants stay ahead in an ever-evolving landscape.
Professional Involvement
Memberships:
- Canadian Bar Association
- Ontario Bar Association
- Sports Lawyers Association
- Association for Corporate Growth
Community Involvement:
- NextGen Co-Chair, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto Executive
- Committee Member, Unity Through Sport
Panel Judge, "Hockey Arbitration Competition," Osgoode Hall Law School's Entertainment and Sports Law Association, November 3-4, 2025.
Moderator, "2024 Leaders Lounge," UJA Federation of Greater Toronto and the Toronto Real Estate Leaders (TREL), April 18, 2024.
Co-Author with Jonathan Kyriacou and Lawson Cross, "Consolidation, Governance and Complexity: What MSG Sports Corp.’s Proposed Separation Reveals About Modern Sports Ownership," Aird & Berlis LLP, August 12, 2026.
Quoted, "Legal Expert Weighs In on Kawhi Leonard Trade Being Paused," Canadian Press, July 10, 2026.
Co-Author with Gary Volman and Jacob Waltman, "Investing in Sports Franchises: Legal, Governance and Structural Considerations," Aird & Berlis LLP, Sports, Media & Entertainment Bulletin, April 9, 2026.
Co-Author with Stephen Zolf, Jonathan Kyriacou and Jordan Mamelak, "Investing in Canadian Sports Teams: Private Capital and the Investment Canada Act," Aird & Berlis LLP, The Spotlight, December 18, 2025.
Co-Author with Peter Czegledy and Lawson Cross, "Buying and Selling Stakes in Companies: A Guide for Athlete Investors and Enterprises," Aird & Berlis LLP, The Spotlight, August 26, 2025.
Co-Author with Adria Leung Lim and Stephen Zolf, "Glencore’s Acquisition of Teck: Impact on the Future of Mining Transactions in Canada," Aird & Berlis LLP, August 12, 2024.
Co-Author with Karlie Nordstrom, "Insider Tipping: Recent Ontario Capital Markets Tribunal Decision Provides Important Guidance for Public Companies and Insiders," Aird & Berlis LLP, Capital Markets Bulletin, November 8, 2023.
Author, "The Age of Athlete Entrepreneurship," Aird & Berlis LLP, The Spotlight, July 13, 2023.
Co-Author with Sean Green and Ali Kwinter, “Historic NFT Insider Trading Charges in U.S. of Relevance to Canadian Operators,” Canadian Securities Law News, no. 343, August 2022.
Co-Author with Portia Biswas, "Producers Can’t Sweeten the Deal: Updated Standards on Inducing Cannabis Retailers," The Lawyer's Daily, March 3, 2022.
Co-Author with Melanie Cole and Corey Fletcher, "Freely Trading Securities Without a Prospectus: CSA Proposes Efficient New Means of Raising Equity Capital for Canadian Public Companies," Corporate Securities & Finance Law Report, v. 26, no. 4, October 2021.
Co-Author with Sherri Altshuler and Jeffrey Merk, "CSA Highlights Need for Financial Interest Disclosure in Cannabis-Related M&A Transactions and Expresses Corporate Governance Concerns of Cannabis Issuers," Securities Law Bulletin, November 19, 2019.