Russell replaces Justice CJ Miller, who elected to take supernumerary status, which reduces the workload, with effect from February 17 2016.
Russell continues to be a partner with McInnes Cooper in Halifax, where he has worked since 2001 as a partner, and previously as an associate.
Previously, he was counsel at the Department of Justice Canada, and associate at Burchell MacDougall & Gruchy in Truro.
Russell was admitted to the Bar of Nova Scotia in 1979 and Bar of Ontario in 1984.