Deondrey Rashad Russell, Esq. is the proud son of Calvin and Shonta Russell. His achievements to date would likely not have come to pass but for their love, support, and hands-on parenting. Russell is an original product of Hattiesburg Public Schools. From learning a commitment to excellence at Thames Elementary School to gaining confidence at N. R. Burger Middle School, Drey took these lessons to Hattiesburg High where he graduated in 2012. Russell was committed to activities that were opportunities to explore himself, find his voice, and unknowingly the journey towards his career. Drey also joined and became president of the Kappa Leadership Development League, remained active in student government, and had entrepreneurial success.
Drey accepted a presidential scholarship from Tennessee State University and excelled in the HBCU’s honors program until he transferred back home to the University of Southern Mississippi. Drey served as the president of a Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity, which allowed him to attend the LeaderShape Institute. There, Drey engaged in an intensive leadership building curriculum, connected with young minds across the country, and created a blueprint to achieve his vision for the future. After crafting an articulable vision and earning his Bachelor’s degree from USM’s College of Business, Drey enrolled at the University of Mississippi School of Law on another full-ride scholarship.
While attending UM Law, Drey served as a Senator and secured an increase in the Black Law Student Association’s budget at his first senate meeting. He earned a spot on the Moot Court team and was a finalist in the Copeland, Cook, Taylor, & Bush Moot Court Competition. Drey also was an editor of the Mississippi Law Journal. While still a student, Drey was recognized for his commitment to pro bono legal services and worked various legal jobs across the Southeast. Drey believes the most important thing he did as a law student was create a mentor program committed to academic success within BLSA. Black law students now enjoy resources and opportunities that previously seemed out of reach.
After externing for the Mississippi Court of Appeals and becoming a member of the Mississippi Bar, Drey started his career at Mississippi’s largest law firm, Butler Snow. In Drey’s first year out of law school, he primarily represents medical device companies, public officials, and political bodies. Drey is also co-council for the Mississippi Standing Joint Legislative Committee on Reapportionment & Redistricting. Drey has argued before political party executive committees, Mississippi trial and appellate courts, and multiple federal district courts across the nation. He is currently contesting an appeal pending before the Mississippi Supreme Court on behalf of a Mayor in the Mississippi Delta. In addition to his paid legal services, he is still committed to pro bono work. Recently, Drey represented a two-time felon on his third alleged felony offense and was granted a complete dismissal of all charges, avoiding a potential life sentence. Drey also reunited a mother with her child after being separated for five months. He also enjoys partnering with the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyer Project. Drey credits where he is today to his parents, his community, Hattiesburg Public Schools, and to his self-determination.