David Russell is a graduate of Pardeeville High School, where he was co-valedictorian and Student Council President. He played football, basketball, baseball, and started the golf team during his senior year. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, receiving degrees from the School of Business, and from the Law School, with honors. 

David has been a partner in the law firm Hale, Skemp, Hanson, Skemp & Sleik since 1983, as well as adjunct Professor of Business Law at UW-La Crosse since 2001. He has served on the State Bar of Wisconsin Legal Assistance Committee, 2000-2006; Wisconsin Farm Mediation and Arbitration Program, 1986-present; La Crosse County Bar Association, 1979-present (President 2006-07, Treasurer, 1986-1987, Low Income Divorce Committee, 1991-93, and Truancy Mentor Program, 1996-98); La Crosse County Free Legal Clinic 2006-present; and Western Wisconsin Legal Services, Board of Directors, 1987-92, 2006-present.

David has received numerous awards for his service to the community including: 1993 State Bar of Wisconsin Pro Bono Award for outstanding contribution of legal services to the poor; 2001 Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse Distinguished Service Award; 2006 Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse President’s Award; and 2006 State of Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Award, recognizing 20 years of service as volunteer farm mediator with the Wisconsin Farm Center.

Other activities that David has been involved with include: church work; Adult Advocacy Committee for Community Youth Initiative; Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors; United States Curling Association Board of Directors (President 1992-93); Parent Teacher Association; La Crosse Historical Society; La Crosse Public Education Foundation (President 2004); and United Campus Ministry Board of Directors.



David and his wife, Nancy, have two children, Angie and Christopher.