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Russell  S.  Baldwin
Associate
Nashville
P:(615) 742-7728
F:(615) 742-0407
E-mail Russell S. Baldwin
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Education
University of Memphis - J.D., 1998
Murray State University - B.A., 1995

Court Admissions
U.S. Court of the Armed Forces
U.S. Court of Appeals Sixth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals District of Columbia Circuit

Bar Admissions
Tennessee, 1998

Memberships
Nashville & Tennessee Bar Associations
Biography Articles Editor, University of Memphis Law Review
Assistant Attorney General, State of Tennessee, 1999-2002
Federalist Society

Honors & Distinctions
Magna cum laude (University of Memphis)
Law Review, Editor
Cecil C. Humphreys Law Fellow
Dean’s Award for Distinguished Service 
Cum laude (Murray State University)

Publications
"Lobbying, PACs, & Campaign Finance, 50 State Handbook," State Capital Global Law Firm Group (2004-2008 Eds)
"Harrell v. Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance: Tennessee’s Emergence From The Serbonian Bog?," 27 U. Mem. L. Rev. 745 (1997)



Russ concentrates on complex business litigation, appellate litigation, and administrative and regulatory proceedings, including government contracting and investigations. He has successfully represented a wide range of clients as lead counsel in more than thirty appeals and numerous trials and administrative proceedings.

Administrative and Regulatory Proceedings: Russ has successfully defended clients in numerous consumer protection investigations and civil investigative demands brought by various state attorneys general and other investigative or regulatory bodies. He also regularly represents clients in bid protests for government contracts, healthcare-related certificate of need (CON) proceedings and matters before local beer boards and the state alcoholic beverage commission.

Class Actions & Shareholder Suits: Russ regularly represents public and private corporations, non-profits and cooperative associations in class actions and shareholder derivate litigation in state and federal trial and appellate courts, as well as mediation and arbitration proceedings.

Representative Matters include:
  • Obtained dismissal of multi-million dollar shareholder derivative action and class action claims involving antitrust, constitutional, fiduciary duty and consumer protection allegations against each of Tennessee’s 23 electric cooperatives.
  • Successfully represented electric cooperative in condemnation defense and $16 million damages recovery.
  • Successfully defended $50 million shareholder derivative action and class claims on behalf of major agricultural cooperative.
  • Assisted in the successful defense of litigation to enjoin or recover damages in more than $40 billion in “going private” transactions.
  • Represented major insurance provider in successful defense of multi-million dollar contract and misrepresentation claims.
  • Co-counsel to major investment banker in multiple shareholder derivative cases relating to fund investments in mortgage-backed securities.
  • Successfully represented numerous clients in enforcing or defending enforcement of business and physician non-compete agreements.
  • Successfully represented public healthcare client involving claims of breach of fiduciary duty, misappropriation of trade secrets, violation of restrictive covenants and tortuous interference with contract and prospective business relationships.

Before joining Bass, Berry & Sims, Russ served as an assistant Tennessee attorney general, where he represented the state in appellate litigation, legislative affairs, and litigation to defend and enforce an historic $4.8 billion settlement between the state and several leading tobacco manufacturers.

Russ formerly served in the United States Army and is currently a Lieutenant Colonel, Judge Advocate Generals Corps in the Tennessee Army National Guard, where he serves as Command Judge Advocate for the 230th Sustainment Brigade.