Robinson Bradshaw Founder Russell M. Robinson II Dies at 93

We are deeply saddened to share that Robinson Bradshaw founder, name partner, role model and friend Russell M. Robinson II died Sept. 5 at his home in Linville, North Carolina, at age 93.

“We will miss Russell immensely,” said Managing Partner Allen Robertson, “and we are grateful for his unparalleled example of leadership, integrity and service. We are better lawyers — and better people — because of him.”

Russell had a vision for a law firm unlike any other: a group of high-achieving lawyers committed to excellence who would focus on serving our clients as a team in an environment as free from internal competition as possible. With Carlton Fleming and then Bob Bradshaw, Russell founded what would eventually become Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A., and from the day our firm opened our doors in September 1960, our fundamental objective has been to provide the very highest quality legal services to meet our clients’ needs.

Russell was known statewide as a leading authority on North Carolina business corporation law. “Robinson on North Carolina Corporation Law” was first published in 1964 and is now in its seventh edition. Business North Carolina once referred to it as “the bible of business practice in this state.” Russell was recognized by dozens of organizations and award publications through his prominent career, and he was central to some of the largest and most important business transactions in our state’s history.

A longtime philanthropist and community volunteer, Russell chaired The Duke Endowment board of trustees, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte board of trustees and the UNC Charlotte Foundation board of directors. He also served as president of the Mecklenburg County Bar and was involved in countless other legal and community organizations.

A Charlotte native, Russell spent his high school years at Woodberry Forest, where he excelled in the classroom and as the star catcher on the school’s baseball team. He spent his first two years in college at Princeton University and continued to play baseball, but then he transferred to Duke University for his junior year. After his junior year, Russell entered Duke University School of Law on an accelerated program, graduating in 1956 as the top student in his class and editor-in-chief of the Duke Law Journal.

Russell transferred to Duke to be with the love of his life, Sally Dalton of Charlotte, who was a Duke student. They were married on Sept. 4, 1953, enjoying 72 years of loving marriage and constant companionship. Together they had three children, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Their devotion to each other was matched only by their devotion to an array of charitable and philanthropic endeavors in which they invested their time, their resources and their leadership, becoming one of the city’s most influential couples.

More details about Russell’s life can be found in his obituary.

While we mourn this profound loss, we remain committed to carrying forward Russell’s vision for our law firm. The values upon which he founded this firm will continue to guide everything we do.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Sally, the rest of the Robinson family and all who were touched by Russell’s remarkable life and career.