Today, we’re getting to know MRH Law attorney Brian Russell, whose passion for personal injury law is rooted in a deep sense of justice and accountability. Inspired early on by a middle school mock trial and later by stories of fighting for injured people against powerful defendants, Brian is driven to stand up for those who have been harmed by negligence. His approach combines careful preparation, strategic thinking, and a determination to hold companies and institutions responsible when their actions put others at risk.
What inspired you to become a personal injury lawyer?
It’s hard to point to any one thing that made me want to be a lawyer, but the seed was probably planted when I was in middle school. We went on a field trip to the Old Courthouse in St. Louis and did a mock trial on the Dred Scott case. I was Mr. Scott’s “lawyer” and argued for his freedom.
What drew me to personal injury law is hearing stories in high school from my partner Matt’s dad. The ones that stuck with me were fighting for people that were hurt and vulnerable against powerful people that didn’t want take responsibility.
What types of personal injury cases are you most passionate about handling?
I’m most passionate about helping people who have been seriously hurt by companies or the government who know they are acting negligently, but refuse to change until something bad happens. It makes me furious that someone has to maimed or killed for change to happen, but what makes me even more furious is the thought of them getting away with it.
In your opinion, what sets a great personal injury attorney apart from others?
What sets a great injury attorney apart is preparation and knowing which levers to pull to get the best result for a client based on the facts of his or her case.
What advice would you give to someone who has never worked with a personal injury lawyer before?
As hard as it is, be patient. The process takes far longer than most people are used to and a lawyer can only do so much to speed the process up. Sometimes I think of the adage “fast, cheap, and good…pick two. If it’s fast and cheap it won’t be good. If it’s cheap and good it won’t be fast. If it’s fast and good it won’t be cheap.”
Why did you decide to practice as a personal injury attorney in Kansas City?
I moved to Kansas City to attend UMKC law school and intended to move back to St. Louis. But I fell in love with the city and the friends and chosen family that I’ve made here and can’t imagine living anywhere else.
What is your favorite thing to do in Kansas City?
It has been tail-gating at a Royals or Chiefs game, but it looks like I’m in the market for a new favorite.
What do you like most about having your office in the River Market?
My favorite thing about having our office in River Market is that there is always something happening and we have no shortage of amazing places to eat lunch.
Outside of your work as a personal injury attorney, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Outside of work, spending time with my kids is my favorite thing to do. When I’m not with them, I’m either cycling or hyper-focused on my hobby of the moment.
Do you have a favorite quote?
This is a tough one. Here are a few:
“It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not weakness. That is life.” – Jean-Luc Picard
“Sometimes you eat the bear, and sometimes the bear eats you.” – The Stranger from The Big Lebowski
“Nec Aspera Terrent” (translated “Difficulties do not scare us”) – The motto of my infantry regiment.
“I can’t carry it for you, but I can carry you.” – Samwise Gamgee in Return of the King