Why I Became A Lawyer

By:  Philip R. Russ

I grew up on a cotton farm near Hale Center, Texas and, although I have fond memories of farm life and my youth, I determined early on that I did not want to farm.  One summer evening at age sixteen I went to the movies in Plainview, Texas.  Of the two screens at the local theater, one was showing the typical western and the other was showing Inherit the Wind.  Not knowing, I chose the latter and was totally spellbound.  I attribute this experience to my openly questioning things I had not questioned before and began using what gray matter I possessed.  It significantly contributed to my choice of professions.

I have always wanted to know what I could do and what others could do - the rule of law.  Another aspect of my desire to become a lawyer was to help others, particularly those who cannot help themselves.

Upon graduating from Texas Tech on May 30, 1964, I took the LSAT and thereafter the University of Oklahoma College of Law sent me a notice of admission.  Law school began for me the fall of 1964 and I graduated the 4th day of June, 1967.

I was licensed on June 19, 1967, by the State of Oklahoma and on September 16, 1968 by the State of Texas.  I began the practice of law in Oklahoma, but returned to Texas in 1970.  I spent six months immediately following law school at Republic National Bank of Dallas in the Bond Investment Department.  I then moved to Pawhuska, Oklahoma, where I practiced with Kelly and Gambill, and after six months I moved to the Oklahoma City metropolitan area and joined the law firm of Fellers, Snider, Baggett, Blankenship, Bailey & Boston - today known as Fellers, Snider, Blankenship, Bailey & Tippens.  I then moved to Dallas, Texas, where I went out on my own.  In 1980 I returned to Amarillo, Texas, where I have been since.

I have tried numerous jury trials (in excess of 150) to a verdict, including one securities fraud suit in federal court which lasted over sixteen weeks.  I have tried several cases which lasted for two and up to five weeks.  I currently have cases pending involving business and construction disputes, securities/commodities fraud, false claims against the U.S. Government (qui tam) and two class actions (1) one involving wage and hour matters under the FLSA and (2) one involving age discrimination in employment in connection with a plant closing.  I have several arbitrations awaiting a hearing before the arbitrator on an ongoing basis for two labor unions.  I maintain a case load which allows me to opt into selected cases and fully develop them for trial and give each case the attention it needs.  I find that if the case is prepared for trial one may settle the case for its full settlement value and if not settled, the case is ready for trial.

I generally find myself on the side of the people, usually who have been mistreated by corporate America or the rich and powerful.  I am proud to be an American.  I am proud to be a trial lawyer.  I am proud to represent those who oftentimes cannot help themselves.