Russell Robinson is founder emeritus of the firm. He had a vision for a law firm unlike any other: a well-educated, hardworking group of lawyers that truly functioned as a team in an environment free from internal competition and jealousies. From the day the firm opened its doors, the guiding mission has been to provide efficient and innovative legal services to meet clients' needs.

Russell authored “Robinson on North Carolina Corporation Law,” now in its seventh edition and maintained by the firm. This publication is the premier treatise on North Carolina corporation law, providing extensive coverage of the business corporation, limited liability company and nonprofit corporation statutes in North Carolina. Russell concentrated his practice in the areas of corporate and commercial law, securities, charitable foundations and other nonprofit organizations.

A longtime philanthropist and community volunteer, Russell chaired The Duke Endowment board of trustees, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte board of trustees and the UNC Charlotte Foundation board of directors. He also served as president of the Mecklenburg County Bar and was involved in countless other legal and community organizations.

Honors & Awards

• Business North Carolina, Power 100 Icon, 2018-19
• North Carolina Chief Justice's Professionalism Award, 2018
• Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, corporate/M&A, 2003-17
• The Best Lawyers in America, corporate governance, corporate, international trade and finance, mergers & acquisitions, 1983-2017; Charlotte International Trade and Finance Law Lawyer of the Year, 2012; Charlotte Corporate Law Lawyer of the Year, 2014 
• North Carolina Super Lawyers, business/corporate, 2006-17
• Business North Carolina, Legal Elite Hall of Fame, business law and corporate counsel
• Mecklenburg Bar Foundation Ayscue Professionalism Award, 2006
• The International Who’s Who of Corporate Governance Lawyers, 2006
• Judge John J. Parker Award, North Carolina Bar Association, 1993
• Martindale-Hubbell, AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated

Professional Affiliations

• American Law Institute, Member, 1987-present
• Business Corporation Act Drafting Committee, North Carolina General Statutes Commission, Chairman, 1968-73, 1985-91
• Legal Services of Southern Piedmont, Director, 1971-74 and 1986-89
• North Carolina Bar Association, Board of Governors, 1981-84; Executive Committee, 1981-82
• Mecklenburg County Bar, President, 1970-71
• American Bar Foundation Fellow
• Chief Justice’s Commission of the North Carolina Business Court
• Governor’s Commission on Business Laws and the Economy

Community Affiliations

• Duke University Law School, Board of Visitors, Honorary Life Member
• UNC Charlotte Foundation, Board of Directors, 1997-2006; Chairman, 1997-2006
• YMCA of Greater Charlotte, Board of Trustees, 2008-Present
• Greater Enrichment Program, Board of Directors
• North Carolina Humanities Council, Advisory Board
• The Duke Endowment, Trustee, 1987-2017; Chairman of Board of Trustees, 2001-10; Chairman of Health Care and Child Care Divisions, 1990-2001
• University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Trustee, 1987-97; Chairman, 1989-97