With U.S. Attorney General Reverdy Johnson (who was acting in a private capacity) and other Virginia lawyers including James Paull and Alexander H. H. Stuart, Russell defended the Wheeling and Belmont Bridge Company in litigation brought by Edwin M. Stanton and Robert J. Walker following construction of the Wheeling Suspension Bridge across the Ohio River beginning in 1849.
Although the company twice technically lost in the United States Supreme Court in the lawsuit brought by upriver rivals in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Russell's legislative advocacy also proved crucial.
He was at first their only delegate (a part-time position) but after The Virginia Constitution of 1851 increased representation for western counties, he served alongside Chester D. Hubbard and John M. Oldham.
[8] His former co-counsel James Paull and co-delegate Chester D. Hubbard remained loyal to the Union and helped found West Virginia.
His son Charles Wells Russell became a U.S. Assistant Attorney General and U.S. Minister to Persia.