2026 Jazz for Justice Benefit

William T. Russell, Jr.

Bill Russell is a steadfast champion of justice whose leadership has strengthened the very foundation of civil legal services in New York City. Recently retired as a Partner at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, Bill is widely respected for his brilliance as a litigator — but even more so for the depth of his commitment to ensuring that every New Yorker has access to fairness, dignity, and the protection of the law.

For decades, Bill has combined professional excellence with extraordinary public service. In addition to his work as head of the Firm’s Bankruptcy and Restructuring Litigation Practice, he led Simpson Thacher’s Pro Bono Committee for nearly ten years, guiding landmark work in housing, voting rights, education equity, and anti-discrimination efforts. His advocacy on behalf of the Campaign for Fiscal Equity helped transform school funding in New York State. He also co-chaired the Firm’s Inclusion Committee. His service has been recognized with major awards from the Legal Aid Society and Manhattan Legal Services.

Bill’s leadership in the broader legal community is unmatched: in addition to his long and distinguished service on the board of Legal Services NYC, he has also served on the boards of Legal Outreach, Inc., Manhattan Legal Services, the New York Bar Foundation, the City Bar Association, the National Center for Access to Justice, and many others. Across each role, he has championed the idea that justice must be accessible to all — not just those who can afford it.