Russell B. Cate, Carmel, Sixth District, is a member of Cate Terry & Gookins (2015-present). He was a partner at Campbell Kyle Proffitt (2009-15), a deputy prosecuting attorney for the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office (2008-09) and an associate at Stuart & Branigin (2007-08).

Russell serves as a mentor/supervisor at the Hamilton Southeastern Law & Government Academy (2012-present) and as a board member of the Fifty Club of Hamilton County. His civic/community activities have also included the Hamilton County Leadership Academy (2015-16). He is a member of the Hamilton County and Indiana State bar associations, and he was a Class II graduate of the ISBA’s Leadership Development Academy. Russell received his B.A. from Purdue University in 2004 and his J.D. from I.U. McKinney School of Law in 2007. He was born in Indianapolis.

Professional enjoyment: I enjoy the variety of work the legal profession provides. Not only is the law constantly changing and evolving, but so is your client base. Each client I represent has a different story to tell and a unique problem to solve. Balancing these stories and solving these problems within the context of an ever-changing legal framework can be difficult, but the process of helping your client make this happen is satisfying.

Your inspiration: When I was in college, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after I graduated, so I applied for a job at a law firm in Lafayette as a court runner/file clerk. The lawyers at that firm encouraged me to read what I filed and copied. They told me to ask questions about what certain documents meant. I watched those lawyers solve problems, interact with clients and take care of their coworkers. They served as great examples of what it meant to be a lawyer, and that was appealing to me.

Why bar association involvement: Nine years ago a lawyer with whom I worked told me that I needed to get involved with the State Bar. He was extremely specific, telling me to “get involved” and not just to sign up. As a young lawyer, I did not see a benefit or understand how involvement in the bar might impact my practice. Nine years later, I have developed a network of lawyers across the state, grown my referral base, met Court of Appeals judges and Supreme Court justices, and made close friends with other lawyers.

If not a lawyer: I would want to do something involving one of my hobbies. My wife will tell you I have a LOT of hobbies, so choosing one is tough.

Fav hobbies: I enjoy grilling, hunting, golfing (only when I hit the ball well), watching college football, fishing and vacationing with my family.

Fav book or author and current reading: I highly recommend Jim Collins’ Good to Great.

Fav vacation spot: With three kids under 9, there’s not much time for sightseeing, so we typically vacation at the beach in Destin, Fla.

Fav food or restaurant: Tough one here because I absolutely love food. It is always hard to pass up a good steak.

Top of my bucket list: A trip around the world with my family.