Russ Campbell Headshot

John Russell Campbell

Partner
  • (205) 226-3438
  • (205) 229-4701
Download Resume rcampbell@balch.com
Education
  • The University of Alabama School of Law
    J.D., 1991, Dean M. Leigh Harrison Scholar
  • Troy University
    B.S., 1988, magna cum laude
Bar Admissions
  • Florida, 1991
  • Alabama, 1995
  • Texas, 2013
About Russ
Clients applaud Russ’s work, with one dubbing him ‘a brilliant strategist’ and ‘the most professional and competent attorney with whom I have had the opportunity to work.'

- Chambers USA

Q&A
  • What previous experiences, prior to your work at Balch, influence your practice?

    I would not be where I am today without the help I received from many friends along the way. I am fueled daily by the desire to help people achieve their goals, maximize their careers, and avoid conflict. When conflict arises, it is especially rewarding assisting my clients in reaching resolution.

  • What types of clients do you represent?
  • What do you find most exciting about your work?
  • What type of matters do you work on most often?

Select Matters

Balch Sports

  • Negotiated over $1 billion in coaching contracts, including more than $850 million in the last 8 years ($650 million in the last 6 years)
  • 2x biggest contract in college football history (2019 & 2022)
  • Biggest coordinator contract in college football history (2017 & 2018)
  • 2x biggest contract for 1st – time Power 5 head coach in Power 5 history (2021)
  • Biggest contract for 1st – time head coach in Group of 5 history (2020)
  • 2nd biggest contract in college baseball history (2022)

Litigation

  • PSC Proceedings: Represented pole owners in rulemaking proceedings to implement initial state jurisdiction over the rates, terms and conditions governing attachment to poles owned by electric cooperates.
  • Joint use/pole attachments: Representing multiple electric utility (pole owners) before the Federal Communications Commission, trial courts, and appellate courts concerning communications company attachments, including National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) issues.
  • Energy litigation: Represented investor-owned utility (IOU) in multi-jurisdictional litigation concerning failed energy markets, imbalance tariffs, adequate assurances under forward power contracts, RICO violations, and control area tariffs.
  • Corporate landowner: Defended putative class action involving claims of fraud and conspiracy arising from closure of residential mobile home park on managed reservoir.
  • Smart grid issues: Represent IOUs concerning smart grid infrastructure, bandwidth issues, automated meters, and emerging trends.
  • Products: Representation of commercial builder in litigation against a large HVAC manufacturer related to the purchase of more than 1,200 HVAC products.

News

    Credentials

    Education
    • The University of Alabama School of Law, J.D., 1991, Dean M. Leigh Harrison Scholar
    • Troy University, B.S., 1988, magna cum laude
    Courts
    • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Alabama, 1995
    • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Alabama, 1996
    • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Alabama, 1991
    • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, 1991
    • U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit, 1996
    • U.S. Supreme Court, 2001
    • Supreme Court of Florida, 1991
    • Supreme Court of Alabama, 1991
    Bar Admissions
    • Florida, 1991
    • Alabama, 1995
    • Texas, 2013
    Professional Affiliations
    • Alabama State Bar, Intellectual Property, Entertainment, & Sports Section
    • Birmingham Bar Foundation, Fellow
    • The Florida Bar, Sports & Entertainment Section
    • Birmingham Bar Association
    • Alabama Defense Lawyers Association
    Awards & Accolades
    • Martindale-Hubbell, AV-rated
    • The Best Lawyers in America®, Commercial Litigation, 2016 - present
    • Chambers USA, Litigation: General Commercial, 2016 - present
    • Birmingham Magazine, Top Attorney, 2012. 2018, 2020
    • Benchmark Litigation, Local Litigation Star, 2014 - present
    • Mid-South Super Lawyers, 2013 - present
    Community Involvement
    • Church of the Highlands
    • King's Home