Russell Ainsworth

Russell Ainsworth is a civil rights lawyer and partner at Loevy + Loevy who joined his current practice in 2003. He represents clients nationwide in wrongful conviction, police brutality, wrongful arrest, First Amendment, and constitutional cases. As first-chair counsel, he has tried more than 20 civil rights matters in federal and state courts. His courtroom work has produced multimillion-dollar verdicts, while his broader advocacy focuses on holding public officials accountable and securing meaningful relief for people harmed by government misconduct.

Russell earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Wisconsin Law School. He appeared on the dean’s list, received several academic honors, and was selected to speak at graduation. After law school, he served as a judicial clerk for Judge Paul Lundsten of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. This experience strengthened his understanding of appellate procedure, legal analysis, and persuasive written advocacy before he developed his national civil rights litigation practice.

Russell also maintains an active appellate practice. He has argued before the Sixth, Seventh, and Tenth Circuit Courts of Appeals, the Illinois Appellate Court, and the Illinois Supreme Court. His admissions include the Illinois Supreme Court, multiple federal appellate courts, and federal district courts across several states. Among his notable results is a verdict exceeding $13 million for David Ayers, who spent 11 years incarcerated for a murder he did not commit. He has also secured more than $100 million in settlements.

Russell Ainsworth extends his civil rights work into post-conviction representation. As a co-founder of the Exoneration Project at the University of Chicago, he helps challenge wrongful convictions and pursue justice for innocent individuals. The official profile credits him with nine exonerations since 2011, including Rodell Sanders, who was acquitted during a retrial. Illinois Super Lawyers has recognized him as both a Super Lawyer and a Rising Star, reflecting his experience in complex trials, appeals, and constitutional disputes.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Loevy & Loevy
• Member, Illinois State Bar Association

Licensed State

• Illinois

Education

• University of Wisconsin Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)

Awards & Badges