Russell Robinson II, architect of one of N.C.’s top law firms, dies at 93
A lawyer and philanthropist who supported institutions from UNC Charlotte to Duke Endowment
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He co-founded Robinson Bradshaw in 1960 and helped grow it into one of Charlotte’s largest firms; wrote the definitive book on N.C. corporate law
by Ken Garfield
Charlotte’s Russell M. Robinson II, an iconic attorney who built one of North Carolina’s most prominent law firms, died Friday morning after a period of declining health. He was 93.
Robinson helped found Robinson Bradshaw in 1960, devoting 53 years in all to the firm. He also wrote the definitive book on N.C. corporate law, entitled “Robinson on North Carolina Corporation Law.”
He retired from Robinson Bradshaw in 2013 with the title of founder emeritus. His vision included one big miss: He anticipated a firm of five lawyers. Today, it is home to 180 lawyers, making it Charlotte’s third-largest law firm.
“Russell was a brilliant practicing lawyer who also was an academic and scholar,” said Allen Robertson, managing partner of Robinson Bradshaw.
Former UNC Charlotte chancellor Jim Woodward said: “He was the most unpretentious, distinguished person I have ever known. He was a giant of a man.”
Robinson attended Eastover Elementary and Alexander Graham Junior High in Charlotte before attending high school at Woodberry Forest in Virginia. He played baseball there and later at Princeton University (he was a catcher). The national pastime became his passion. Late in life, he was glued to the MLB Network.
Russell started out at Princeton before transferring after two years to Duke University to be closer to Charlotte coed Sally Dalton. He finished his undergraduate degree and earned his law degree from Duke.
The Robinsons first “met” in kindergarten. They marked their 72nd wedding anniversary on Thursday (Sept 4).
Russell and Sally Robinson’s impact on his native state and city extends beyond the boardroom, courtroom and offices of Robinson Bradshaw. Philanthropic giants, “Russell and Sally” rolled off the tongue of appreciative civic leaders.
Among the charitable and educational institutions that benefited from his (and her) wisdom and generosity: UNC Charlotte, Morehead-Cain Foundation, Duke University, The Duke Endowment, the Mecklenburg and N.C. bar associations and Presbyterian Hospital (now Novant Health).
Robinson is survived by his wife, Sally, three adult children, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Life did not cheat him.
There were annual backpacking trips with friends that only ended when the adventurers aged out.
At the end of many fulfilling days, the Robinsons would catch up with a tradition they called “Beer Time.”
He got a kick out of it when Business North Carolina magazine, in a series on “Pillars of North Carolina,” nicknamed him “The Brow.” Even his eyebrows set him apart.
The funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, at Christ Episcopal Church, 1412 Providence Road. Visitation follows at the church.
Freelance writer/editor Ken Garfield is a frequent contributor to The Ledger. Reach him at garfieldken3129@gmail.com.
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