Pierce Russell

Profile

Pierce practices in criminal law and public law.  

Pierce appears in all criminal proceedings and accepts briefs to prosecute and defend. He has a particular interest in federal criminal law and corporate crime. 

His public law practice centres on regulatory and disciplinary matters, and investigations and inquiries. He has substantial experience in public interest immunity litigation, suppression orders, and advising on investigatory powers, including coercive processes.  

Before coming to the Bar, Pierce was a Senior Solicitor Advocate at the Office of Public Prosecutions. He appeared daily in the Magistrates’ and County Courts, including on pleas, at trial (led), and on contested applications and hearings. He has experience in the Drug Court and Koori Court Divisions. Prior to that, he was Senior Federal Prosecutor at the Commonwealth Director of Prosecutions. There, Pierce worked on large, complex, and document-heavy cases involving organised crime, money laundering, terrorism, and human exploitation.  

Pierce was also the Senior Associate to the former Chief Judge of the County Court of Victoria, the Honourable Justice Kidd. He assisted Justice Kidd in his Honour’s capacity as both the Chief Judge and as an Acting Justice of Appeal. 

Pierce commenced his career at the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office.  

Pierce is reading with Carmen Currie. His senior mentor is Sally Flynn KC.