Get to know Mike
Joe Michael (Mike) Russell II attended Baylor Law School, following in the distinguished footsteps of his father who maintained a successful national litigation practice for more than 30 years. While at Baylor, Mike thrived both personally and academically. On a personal level, he met his future wife and Temple native, Lauren Jones, whom he married in 2004. On an academic level, his second-place finish in Baylor Law’s highly competitive mock trial competition confirmed his talent, strength, and calling to assist others through the complex civil litigation process.
Following graduation, Mike and Lauren launched their legal careers in the Dallas area. At Keramidas & Associates, Mike was quickly promoted to lead attorney on hundreds of cases, including first chairing over 40 civil jury trials across Texas, experience not often seen at such a relatively young age. After four years, Mike branched out on his own and managed a successful law practice, allowing him to hone his craft in the courtroom as lead litigator on hundreds of cases over the next few years.
When their son was born in 2011, Mike and Lauren strongly desired to return to an area mirroring the values instilled in them by their families and Central Texas communities. With the election of Jack Jones to the 146th District Court of Bell County in 2012, Mike accepted an offer to join Jones & Harrell, P.C. in Temple. Within a year, Mike was named partner in the firm, now known as Harrell, Stoebner & Russell, P.C. Over the last decade, the firm has grown into one of the largest and most diverse firms in Bell County. Mike has been privileged to serve the citizens of Bell County in a wide variety of civil matters, including contract, personal injury, trust & estate, tort, real estate, employment and family law.
As members of Vista Community Church for the past 10 years, Mike and Lauren have been able to serve the community while also developing meaningful friendships, especially with their cherished small group for the past eight years. Mike is active in the men’s ministry and is a longtime participant in the early Friday morning men’s Bible study.
Their son, Cole, is in middle school and involved in several extracurricular activities. Mike and Cole share a love of golf, fishing, and hunting. For over five years Mike coached youth soccer, another sport he still enjoys with his son.