Karen Russell

A graduate of Harvard Law School, Karen Russell frequently appears on CNN, MSNBC and TruTV - as a legal and political analyst dissecting high-profile trials and debating national political issues. She thanks you for helping to free Genarlow Wilson.

Karen’s appeared on several national radio and television shows like: “Anderson Cooper 360”, “Scarborough Country”, “The Abrams Report”, “The Most with Alison Stewart”, “Verdict With Dan Abrams”, and “American Morning”. Karen provided legal commentary on several high-profile cases including: Michael Jackson, Scott Peterson, Kobe Bryant, Jayson Williams, and the Duke Lacrosse Rape Case.

Karen is the proud daughter of the NBA legend, Bill Russell. HBO Sports named Bill “The Greatest Winner in the 20th Century” and Karen incorporates his winning team leadership principles into her corporate leadership training.

Karen works as an attorney, corporate trainer and political strategist. Karen helps employers create a positive work environment, boost productivity and resolve employment issues before they become lawsuits.

Karen produced The Bill Russell Tribute – a benefit for the National Mentoring Partnership. Hosted by Bill Cosby, the tribute featured Tom Brokaw, Jim Brown, Frank Deford, Aretha Franklin, and Johnny Mathis plus over thirty of the NBA’s “Fifty Greatest Players” including: Larry Bird, Wilt Chamberlain, and Julius Erving. She has also appeared on HBO’s “Bill Russell: My Life, My Way”, ESPN Sports Century, and the Sundance Channel’s Iconoclasts episode “Bill Russell and Samuel L. Jackson”.

As a member of the Writer’s Guild of America, Karen wrote for NBC’s sitcom “The Single Guy” and co-produced the comedy "Good Luck Chuck" starring Dane Cook and Jessica Alba which opens this fall. Karen also wrote “Growing Up With Privilege And Prejudice” a cover story for the New York Times Sunday Magazine. The Seattle Times featured her civil rights op-ed “Continuing Our Parents' Struggle for Justice”.

Previously, Karen represented writers and directors at United Talent Agency in Beverly Hills and served as Executive Director of Artists for a New South Africa. Karen has also worked as the West and Mid-West Finance Director for the Democratic National Committee and as the Development Director for the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Center for Human Rights.

Karen enjoys public speaking, especially moderating panels. Highlights include:

• Washington Women Lawyers: “Civil Rights Symposium”
• ABA Conference for the Minority Lawyer: “Celebrity Justice: Press Freedom and Fair Trials”
• Washington State Women’s Political Caucus Training: “The Power of Inclusion: Organizing Ethnic Groups” and “Connecting with Communities of Color - Outreach That Works”
• Texas Diversity Conference: "Diversity in the Legal Profession" and "Making Partner"
• The White House Project: “Vote, Run, Lead” Washington State Candidate Training
• OneWorld Now!: Global Leadership Dinner featuring keynote speaker Bill Gates Sr.
• Seattle Association of Black Journalists: "Media Access Workshop"
• National Association Of Black Journalists: Is the NBA Age Limit Racist or Smart Business?
• American Civil Liberties Union: September Project “Unconstitutional” and The Patriot Act