Holland & Knight Welcomes Former SEC Lawyer Aaron Russ in Richmond
Richmond, Viriginia (March 3, 2026) – Holland & Knight has fortified its Private Investment Funds Team with the addition of Aaron Russ as a partner in Richmond, Virginia. As a former senior counsel in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) Division of Investment Management and Division of Examinations, Mr. Russ focuses on providing pragmatic and actionable advice to private fund managers, financial technology (FinTech) firms and global financial institutions on compliance with federal securities laws.
"We are delighted to grow the Firm's Richmond office and our private investment funds and corporate practices with the addition of respected Partner Aaron Russ," said Bradley Van Buren, leader of Holland & Knight's Private Investment Funds Team. "Aaron brings an impressive, results-driven approach to his practice along with invaluable experience from his time at the SEC. As private funds transactions become more complex and regulatory intensive, we are confident that Aaron's deep knowledge will be a great asset to the Firm."
Mr. Russ guides clients through high‑stakes SEC examinations and enforcement matters; designs and scales compliance infrastructures for established managers and emerging FinTech platforms; counsels investment advisers on mergers, acquisitions and transitions; and advises on private fund formation and operations, contractual negotiations, and Investment Company Act status and exclusions. Prior to joining Holland & Knight, Mr. Russ was an associate with Morrison Foerster.
Highly regarded for his deep knowledge of the Investment Advisers Act Marketing Rule, Mr. Russ also frequently shares his insights through writing and speaking engagements with publications such as Practicing Law Institute, The Review of Securities & Commodities Regulation and Strafford.
"I am excited to apply my background and experience to support the growth of Holland & Knight's Private Investment Funds Team and assist with a variety of major M&A transactions as well," said Mr. Russ. "Holland & Knight is seen as a high-caliber firm in the investment management community, and I look forward to making a big impact on the overall capabilities and bandwidth of its very active group."
Mr. Russ earned a J.D. degree from the University of Illinois College of Law and a dual B.A. degree from the University of Michigan.
Not yet admitted to the Virgina Bar; admitted to the District of Columbia Bar only and practicing under the supervision of lawyers licensed to practice in Virginia.