2024
Molly Russell
Pro Bono Supervising Attorney , Legal Aid of West Virginia
Photo by Lauren Webster Photography .
KENZIE DYE
MOLLY RUSSELL , pro bono supervising attorney at Legal Aid of West Virginia ( LAWV ), is dedicated to advocacy , education and community service . She was born in Elkins , WV , but spent most of her childhood in Morgantown .
Her journey from law school to her current role is characterized by a commitment to helping others , particularly those facing domestic violence and other vulnerable populations . Russell ’ s path to the legal profession was not straightforward . Initially , she worked as a teacher , a role that instilled in her a passion for service .
“ I enjoyed my students but felt called to do more ,” she says . “ In trying to figure out what more was , I thought law school sounded interesting . I applied without a final career destination in mind . I
remember finding out I got into law school and the first person I told was one of my first-grade students ,” she says .
The connections Russell made while teaching led her to a summer internship at Sal Sellaro Culpepper Legal Group .
During this internship , Russell gained invaluable insights on the inner workings of a law firm , confirming her decision to pursue a legal career . Upon graduating , she balanced roles in teaching and law , working as a substitute teacher while handling Social Security Disability hearings . This solidified her desire to transition fully into the legal profession , ultimately leading her to roles that combined her teaching skills with her legal expertise .
Russell ’ s professional trajectory includes a range of positions that have enriched her experience and broadened her impact .
From 2014 to 2019 , she juggled multiple roles , including teaching special and alternative education , directing the FUNdamentals program for Mountaineer United Soccer Club and serving as a summer coverage attorney for the West Virginia University ( WVU ) College of Law ’ s Clinical Law Program . She also supervised students in the WVU Child & Family Law Clinic ; created her own practice , MR Law PLLC ; and worked as a domestic violence attorney for the Clarksburg Legal Aid office .
In 2019 , Russell joined LAWV full-time , first as a West Virginia Works attorney and then as a domestic violence attorney . By 2021 , she had assumed her current role , which is funded through a grant from the Legal Services Corporation . Her primary responsibilities are to enhance pro bono representation across the state by recruiting and training volunteer attorneys and creating opportunities for pro bono work such as wills and name change clinics .
One of the most significant challenges Russell faces in this role is recruiting pro bono attorneys . The legal community in West Virginia is small , and the demands on lawyers ’ time are substantial .
“ Balancing their professional obligations with the desire to contribute to pro bono work can be challenging ,” she says .
Despite this , she is happy in her role , particularly with the variety it offers and the opportunity to collaborate with a dedicated team .
Russell ’ s inspiration for her work is deeply personal and multifaceted .
100
WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE