Ian Russell, a member of the law firm Lane & Waterman, has been selected to serve as the 137th president of the Iowa State Bar Association (ISBA), according to the Davenport-based firm.
Mr. Russell was sworn in as the new president on Wednesday, June 21, Lane & Waterman announced in a news release Friday, June 23.
“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,” the company said in the release.
Throughout his career, Mr. Russell said he has received valuable support from numerous legal professionals. In particular, he credited the mentorship of ISBA Past President Bob Waterman, Jr., who played a crucial role in shaping his understanding of ISBA matters and in helping him become a skilled trial lawyer.
When asked about his time investment in the ISBA, Mr. Russell said “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.”
His commitment to ISBA’s mission also exemplifies his passion for fostering professional growth, encouraging connections, and upholding the highest standards of the legal profession, the release said. Mr. Russell’s ISBA president appointment reflects not only his personal achievements but demonstrates L&W’s commitment to nurturing leadership and excellence within the legal community, the firm said.
Since joining Lane & Waterman in 2005, Mr. Russell has worked to help clients resolve disputes and solve problems, both before and during litigation. He also has experience counseling and representing businesses and individuals in court and has extensive experience in commercial litigation, medical malpractice defense, and personal injury.
Mr. Russell also is known for counseling clients and providing 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.
He 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 also recently was appointed by the Iowa Supreme Court to serve on the Commission on the Unauthorized Practice of Law.
In the Quad Cities and Eastern Iowa, he is active with community nonprofits including as a board member or officer for the Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP), Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, and Friends of the Davenport Library.
He also has been active in politics having worked as the campaign treasurer for a U.S. Congressional campaign and as a member of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce Business Advocacy Council, which lobbies on behalf of the Quad Cities on the local, state, and national level.
Lane & Waterman LLP is a full-service law firm based in Davenport since 1854. To learn more, visit https://l-wlaw.com/.
