Russell

Deondrey Russell, a 2022-2023 National Bar Association Associate Advancement Academy of Excellence Fellow, focuses his practice primarily on personal injury and product liability litigation related to allegations of product defect. He takes pride in learning about his client’s history, products, and processes to build real relationships while providing excellent service and effective representation. 

Deondrey’s clients range from agricultural and heavy machinery manufacturers to manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and medical devices to local politicians and political bodies. He has experience representing a diverse range of clients, including Fortune 100 companies, political entities, small and medium-sized businesses, and private individuals. He also has experience serving as trial and appellate counsel, successfully defending his client in a case of first impression up to the Mississippi Supreme Court.

In addition, Deondrey has an intentional pro bono practice. He has been spotlighted for his pro bono efforts since law school and was recognized for donating the most pro bono hours firmwide in 2022. His recent pro bono efforts resulted in reuniting a mother with her child, dismissing all criminal charges filed against a reformed felon during his preliminary hearing, and defending an inmate’s constitutional rights.

• Drug & Device Litigation
• Products, Catastrophic & Industrial Litigation
• Machinery & Recreational Product Litigation
• Governmental Litigation
• Redistricting & Voting Rights

Pharmaceutical, Medical Device and Healthcare

The below are some of Deondrey’s recent significant results:

• Lenhardt v. John Deere Construction & Forestry Co., Civil Action No. 202075125, in the 11th Judicial District, Harris County, Texas (Result: obtained jury defense verdict)
• Hickman Timber, Inc. v. John Deere Construction & Forestry Co., Civil Action No. 1:22-cv-33, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, Gulfport Division (Result: favorable settlement)
• Blue v. Deere & Co., Civil Action No. CAM-L-389-22, in the Superior Court of Camden County, New Jersey (Result: favorable settlement)
• Nuzzi v. Ethicon, Inc., Civil Action No. ATL-L-734-20, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, Brooklyn Division (Result: dismissed with prejudice) 
• Cutaia v. Ethicon, Inc., Civil Action No. 709928/2021, in the Supreme Court of Queens County, New York (Result: dismissed with prejudice)
• Meredith v. Clarksdale Democratic Exec. Comm., 340 So. 3d 315 (Miss. 2022) (Result: bench trial defense verdict affirmed on appeal as a case of first impression)
• Harper v. West Point Election Commissioners, Civil Action No. 1:21-cv-00067, in the Circuit Court of Clay County, Mississippi (Result: dismissed with prejudice)

• National Bar Association, Associate Advancement Academy for Excellence, 2022-2023 Fellow
• 2022 Pro Bono Champion
• 2021 Pro Bono Champion

• Mississippi, 2020
• U.S. District Courts
  • Mississippi: Northern, Southern
• U.S. Court of Appeals
  • 5th Circuit

• University of Mississippi School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2020
  • Black Law Students Association, Director of Professional Development
  • Moot Court Board, Competition Finalist
  • Mississippi Law Journal (Vol. 89), Development Officer
  • Student Bar Association, Senator
  • Dean’s Leadership Council
• University of Southern Mississippi, B.S., Business Administration, 2017
  • Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity, President
  • Business Advisory Council, Advisor
  • Corporate Leadership Development Program
  • LeaderShape Institute 

• Clerkship, Lafayette County Public Defender, 2018
• Clerkship, Honorable Sean J. Tindell, Mississippi Court of Appeals, 2020

• National Bar Association
• Defense Research Institute

• Moderator, "Diversity Real Talk: Words From Our Clients," Butler Snow Executive Program, April 15, 2022.
• Author, "Back to Gumbo Basics: The Least Y'all Could Do is Lay the Foundation(s)," Pro Te: Solutio, Vol. 15, No. 1, March 2022.
• Speaker, "Celebrating Black History Month," Butler Snow D&I Committee Program, February 22, 2022.
• Speaker, "Quo Vadis: Protecting Our Culture," Butler Snow Pharmaceutical, Medical Device and Healthcare Litigation Group Meeting, February 22, 2022.