Russell MacLellan Q.C., Senior Counsel

Practice Profile

Russell is a member of our Business Structures & Transactions practice.

Representative Experience

With his vast experience at both the provincial and federal government levels, and his proven track record in public consultation and consensus-building, Russell brings a unique array of experience to the firm. The former Nova Scotia Premier served as executive assistant to the president of the Cape Breton Development Corporation and as legal counsel and assistant secretary for the Sydney Steel Corporation before re-entering private law practice in Sydney in 1973.

A continuous member of the House of Commons (1979 – 97), Russell held numerous high-profile positions including service as Parliamentary Secretary and party critic for the ministries of Mines, Regional Industrial Expansion, Health and Welfare, Energy, Consumer & Corporate Affairs and Justice. At the provincial level, in addition to his service as Premier, he served as Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister responsible for the Petroleum Directorate. He has represented Canada at the World Health Organization and the United Nations.

On a Personal Note

Russell holds a Black Belt in TaeKwon Do. From 2002-2003, he served as interim president of the International Taekwon Do Federation, based in Vienna, Austria. He also served as co-chair of Democracy 250, celebrating the 250th Anniversary of Parliamentary democracy which originated in Nova Scotia in 1758.