DAVENPORT, IOWA (June 23, 2023) — Lane and Waterman proudly celebrated Ian Russell as he was sworn in as the 137th President of the Iowa State Bar Association (ISBA) on June 21, 2023. As a prominent member of our firm, Ian’s achievements bring us great pride, and we wholeheartedly support his vision and the leadership he will provide to the Iowa legal community.
Throughout Russell’s career, he has received valuable support from numerous legal professionals. In particular, Russell credits ISBA Past President, Bob Waterman Jr, as a mentor who played a crucial role in shaping his understanding of ISBA matters and helping him become a skilled trial lawyer. This mentor/mentee relationship underscores the significance of mentorship and its positive impact on the legal community.
When asked why he is willing to invest so much time in the ISBA, Russell replied, “The ISBA helps make people better lawyers and professionals. It connects people and supports the profession. I am happy to be a small part of that.” Russell’s commitment to the ISBA’s mission exemplifies his passion for fostering professional growth, encouraging connections, and upholding the highest standards of the legal profession.
Russell’s appointment as President of the ISBA not only reflects his personal achievements but also demonstrates L&W’s commitment to nurturing leadership and excellence within the legal community. By investing in the professional growth of our attorneys and supporting their active engagement in organizations like the ISBA, we contribute to a stronger legal landscape that benefits our clients and the community at large.
Russell joined Lane and Waterman in 2005. Since that time, he has worked to help clients resolve disputes and solve problems, both before and during litigation. He has experience counseling and representing businesses and individuals in court. Russell has extensive experience in commercial litigation, medical-malpractice defense, and personal injury. He also counsels clients and provides analysis of issues involving media and First-Amendment law, election issues, and aviation matters. He represents clients in both Iowa and Illinois State and Federal courts.
Russell is a Martindale-Hubbell AV-rated attorney and a past President of the Iowa State Bar Association Young Lawyers Division. In 2014, he was named a Super Lawyers Great Plains Rising Star. In 2019, he was named to The Best Lawyers in America list for Personal Injury Litigation — Plaintiffs. He currently represents the Seventh Judicial District of Iowa at the Iowa Bar Association Board of Governors. He was also recently appointed by the Iowa Supreme Court to serve on the Commission on the Unauthorized Practice of Law. Russell is active in the Quad Cities and Eastern Iowa community, having worked with several community non-profits as a board or committee member. He has served as a board member or officer for the Downtown Davenport Partnership, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, and Friends of the Davenport Library. He also been active in politics, having worked as the campaign treasurer for a United States Congressional Campaign and as a member of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce Business Advocacy Council that lobbied on behalf of the Quad Cities on the local, state, and national level.
Lane and Waterman LLP is a full-service law firm based in Davenport, Iowa, since 1854. Ever evolving to meet the needs of their diverse client base, Lane and Waterman attorneys help every client achieve success through a spirit of collaboration, a culture of learning, and a focus on innovation. Their mission and values stem from their tradition of trust that has been built over 160 years of practicing law.
To learn more about Lane and Waterman visit l-wlaw.com/.
