Her commitment to helping domestic violence survivors is rooted in her own childhood experiences as she , her sister and her mother experienced it firsthand .
“ I want to be there to help the other Mollys and their moms ,” she says . “ The clients I assist inspire me to help more clients , and if I can ’ t be the one to help them directly , my team finds people who can or creates opportunities where they can be helped .”
She didn ’ t know it at the time , but Russell once stayed at the HOPE , Inc . shelter in Fairmont , WV . Now , she feels fortunate to serve as a domestic violence attorney for clients from the shelter that provided a safe space for her , her sister and her mother in the past .
For the work her team does for name change clinics , she is inspired by her exspouse , who is transgender .
“ I want to help make it easier for people like her to feel like they are living as their true selves ,” she says .
Mentorship has played a pivotal role in Russell ’ s career . She credits Marjorie McDiarmid , her evidence professor and later a close friend and godmother to her son , as a significant influence .
“ Marjorie ’ s dedication to helping others through various legal programs has been a constant source of motivation for me ,” she says .
Russell ’ s commitment to her community extends beyond her professional duties . She serves as vice president of
the Monongalia County Bar Association , a board member of the Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center and a member of the West Virginia State Bar Family Law Committee , and she is on the Access to Justice Commission . Russell also coaches soccer for Mountaineer United Soccer Club .
Throughout her career , Russell has received several accolades that highlight her contributions to her field and community . During law school , she was awarded the Emerging Leader Award . In 2017 , she received the TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year Award from the West Virginia Soccer Association for her efforts in creating a soccer program tailored for children with disabilities . Most notably , in 2022 , she was honored with the Kick Ass Advocacy Award . This peer-nominated recognition celebrates her outstanding work with domestic violence survivors , particularly her strategic and persistent advocacy that influences broader systemic changes .
Russell ’ s personal life is as dynamic as her professional one . She considers her son , Newland , to be her greatest success and says he is the funniest person she knows . In her free time , Russell enjoys playing and coaching soccer , attending live events and spending time with her family and friends . Despite her busy schedule , she cherishes moments of solitude and reflection .
Looking ahead , Russell has ambitious goals .
“ I want to start an organization that helps people with additional problems they may encounter during their legal issues ,” she says . “ For example , survivors of domestic violence will flee to a shelter but often must leave their beloved pets behind . I would also like to create an organization that offers microgrants to West Virginians who are changing their name and need assistance with the associated costs .”
Through her efforts , Russell not only addresses immediate legal needs but also works toward systemic changes that benefit vulnerable populations . Her story is an inspiring example of how one individual ’ s passion and dedication can create ripples of positive change in a community . •
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