Scott
Attorney Russell K. Scott, a senior litigation officer and co-manager of the Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale Belleville office, has been named the 2012 recipient of the prestigious American Inns of Court Professionalism Award for the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
Scott received the award May 7 at the Seventh Circuit Judicial Conference in Chicago. He and other 2012 award recipients also will be recognized at the American Inns of Court annual Celebration of Excellence Oct. 20 at the U.S. Supreme Court.
The American Inns of Court Professionalism Awards are given each year to one lawyer or judge from each federal circuit, whose life and practice display sterling character and unquestioned integrity, coupled with ongoing dedication to the highest standards of the legal profession and the rule of law. Award recipients are selected by a panel of representatives from the circuit and the American Inns of Court.
In nominating Scott for the award, U.S. District Judge J. Phil Gilbert of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, wrote, "In addition to his considerable skills as a trial lawyer, Russell has throughout his career, exemplified the highest ideals of the legal profession. His record of service to the profession, especially in the area of legal services to the poor, is exceptional."
Cherie Macdonald, an officer at Greensfelder and co-manager of the firm's Belleville office said the award is very special.
"This honor for Russell is even more special since the Seventh Circuit typically bestows the award on judges from the Chicago area," Macdonald said.
Scott focuses his practice on the defense of legal and medical malpractice suits, product liability actions, industrial accident cases, premises liability, as well as automobile, construction, insurance coverage, class action, toxic tort, general commercial and personal injury litigation.
He has more than 35 years of experience in all aspects of state and federal trial and appellate work. Scott also has a history of public service work, having served as president, chair of the board and chief volunteer officer of the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation, Inc., for 16 years and as chair of the Illinois Supreme Court Select Committee on Pro Bono Publico for 10 years.
He also is a member of the Board of Governors of the Illinois State Bar Association and past president of the Illinois Bar Foundation.
Scott earned his J.D. from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law and has an A.B. from Earlham College.