Russell attended Monash University obtaining a Law / Arts degree and Mediation qualifications from Melbourne University in the mid 1990s. He practiced Law in Melbourne in a variety of roles including as a duty lawyer and time at the Victorian Bar as a barrister dealing particularly in Family law, Childrens Court, domestic violence and criminal matters. He then worked as an Independent Children’ s Lawyer, and has undertaken all types of court work including mentions, directions, interim and final hearings.
In 2003 he moved to the north coast of New South Wales and now lives in the Byron Bay hinterland. He pursues his interest in the growing field of dispute resolution and adjudication. He has since undertaken considerable arbitration work in Child Support disputes and settled hundreds of Family Law Mediations.
He is a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and Nationally Accredited Mediator.
Appointed to the FACS Family Group Conferencing Facilitator Panel, he undertakes private mediation work in workplace disputes and family matters and chairs Family Law conferences for Legal Aid Queensland and New South Wales Legal Aid.
Russell also has an interest in Restorative Justice theory and convenes conferences in Youth Justice matters.
Recently he has also been appointed as a facilitator for the Restorative Engagement Program, Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman.
He has lectured at Griffith University, coached at Queensland University of Technology and is a sessional academic in Law and Dispute Resolution at Southern Cross University.
“Russell is that rare mediator who has the skill and demeanour to both empathise with parties during the mediation and also remain committed to achieving the best possible outcome for all involved. He has consistently impressed my clients with his professionalism and his ability to assist them to reach positive outcomes, during what is commonly a difficult and stressful time for them. As a family lawyer, I always appreciate Russell’s balanced and sensitive approach to resolving disputes.” Amanda, Family Lawyer