[3][2] From 1988 to 1991, Russell was an associate at Bracewell & Patterson in Washington, D.C., where he specialized in antitrust and regulatory law.

[5] From 2002 to 2014, he was in private practice at Fellers Snider Blankenship Bailey & Tippens, in their Tulsa office.

[3] His nomination was endorsed by Senators James Lankford and Markwayne Mullin.

President Biden nominated Russell to the seat vacated by Judge John E. Dowdell, who assumed senior status on June 21, 2021.

[12][13] On December 19, 2023, the United States Senate confirmed his nomination by a voice vote.