Will Russell

Will Russell is a sport lawyer with an extensive background in dispute resolution, governance, employment and Sport Integrity. He joined Sport Law in 2021 to help organizations effectively navigate conflict; Will now regularly acts as a strategic advisory to sport organizations. Will’s legal approach is shaped by belief that sport (and law!) can be a powerful tool to shape strong, inclusive, and high-performing cultures and health communities.

Originally from Chelsea, Quebec, Will moved to the Maritimes to attend Mount Allison University. After spending summers working with the Canadian Coast Guard on Search and Rescue crews, he fell in love with the East Coast. Will later completed degrees at Dalhousie University and the University of New Brunswick.

Will began his legal career at a leading labour and employment firm in Halifax in 2014, where he practised in employment and administrative law.

Since joining Sport Law Will has taken a leading role in governance modernization and Sport Integrity work across Canada. He has designed integrity systems for multiple national, provincial and territorial sport federations, including co-authoring the Canadian Olympic Committee’s national conduct standard. In addition to an active advocacy practice, Will has served as general counsel, on-site discipline chair, and safeguarding officer at provincial, national and international sport events.

In 2024, Will completed the International Olympic Committee’s Safeguarding Officer in Sport certificate and continues to engage with leading national and international efforts on advancing comprehensive efforts to safeguard sport. 

Sport has always been central to Will’s life. Having competed for Quebec in rugby at the Canada Games and National Championships, Will remains deeply involved in sport - on weekends, you’re most likely to find Will on the water sailing or surfing with his family on the East Coast or supporting his wife on the international sailing circuit.