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What do a courtroom and a basketball court have in common? For Russell Button, founder of The Button Law Firm, they’re both high-stakes arenas where preparation, pressure, and performance intersect.
In his conversation with Scott Snellings on The Driven Crowd podcast, Russell shared the unexpected twists that led him to become a trial lawyer, the parallels between sports and the law, and why building a mission-driven team matters more than anything else.
Here are a few standout moments and takeaways from their conversation:
A Movie Sparked a Mission
Russell’s journey started with a movie: A Time to Kill. It was the first time he saw a lawyer fighting for justice in front of a jury—and it left a lasting impression. “I still have the collector’s edition DVD,” he shared. “I watch it before every big trial. It reminds me why I do what I do.”
As a teenager playing summer league basketball, Russell met a criminal defense attorney who became a trusted guide. That relationship, along with a college basketball scholarship, helped propel him into law school—and ultimately into the courtroom.
From Point Guard to Trial Lawyer
Basketball didn’t just give Russell a scholarship—it gave him a mindset. He described how preparing for games mirrored prepping for trial: from strategy and execution to composure under pressure. “Sports taught me how to manage stress, analyze wins and losses, and play my role in a team. That’s exactly what trial work requires.”
Scott echoed this theme in his own takeaway from the interview: "Collaboration is key. Just like in sports, the strength of a legal team lies in its members working together toward a common goal."
Fighting for Families: A Personal Mission
In law school, Russell juggled classes with full-time work, gravitating toward trial law early on. What really pulled him in was the chance to give a voice to the underrepresented, particularly children harmed in daycare settings.
“I was a daycare kid,” he explained. “Both of my parents worked full-time. I know the trust families place in caregivers—and how devastating it is when that trust is broken.” That empathy eventually led to The Button Law Firm’s core focus: daycare and child injury cases.
Scott highlighted this as a defining move: "Russell’s decision to focus on daycare and child injury wasn’t just strategic—it was rooted in purpose. That kind of focus builds unmatched experience and deep client commitment."
Building the Firm He Wanted to Work At
Starting his own firm wasn’t about prestige—it was about creating a space where meaningful work could thrive. “I didn’t launch BLF to see my name on the door. I started it because I couldn’t find a place doing what I wanted to do, the way I wanted to do it.”
Alongside Ashley Knarr, Russell built a team committed to taking on big, impactful cases—and doing it with heart. One of his biggest lessons? Collaboration multiplies impact. “When firms team up and bring different perspectives to the table, the client always wins.”
Excellence, On and Off the Court
When asked what he’d do differently, Russell didn’t hesitate: “Nothing. Every decision—good and bad—brought us to where we are today.” That includes narrowing the firm’s focus, investing in the team, and continually learning from every experience.
Scott summed it up best: "The relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether it’s mastering the fundamentals or showing up with grit, Russell’s work ethic is clear—and it’s contagious."
Advice for Aspiring Firm Owners
For attorneys considering starting their own firm, Russell had this to say: “Don’t do it just to do it. Think about the impact you want to make, and whether the structure you’re building will help you achieve that. Passion and purpose have to drive every decision.”
Russell’s episode of The Driven Crowd is a reminder that the road to impact is rarely straight, but with grit, teamwork, and a clear mission, you can build something that truly makes a difference.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-f6xWqd_aN4&t=248s
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