Patti Russell is a specialist ecclesiastical lawyer who advises bishops, dioceses, cathedrals, clergy, faith charities and national church institutions on a wide range of ecclesiastical, safeguarding, governance and HR matters.
She is also the Diocesan Registrar for the Dioceses of Canterbury and Rochester having previously served as Deputy Registrar for the Dioceses of St Albans, Salisbury and Winchester.
Prior to specialising in ecclesiastical law, Patti practised as an employment lawyer in the City and continues to draw on that background. She advises on complex and sensitive clergy HR issues, often in relation to safeguarding, including grievances, whistleblowing disclosures, relationship breakdown and data subject access requests. Clients value Patti’s pastoral and pragmatic approach, her focus on achieving fair outcomes, and her skill in navigating complex and often reputationally sensitive situations with empathy and practical insight.
Patti is highly regarded for her work related to external reviews and investigations, including connected crisis management, data privacy and information-sharing issues. She regularly advises on Serious Incident Reports to the Charity Commission and supports church bodies in responding to significant governance, safeguarding and reputational concerns. She is also recognised for her expertise in cathedral governance and constitutional matters and her work supporting cathedrals through audits, reviews and investigations.
Outside work, Patti is a lay non-executive member of the Chapter (Board of Trustees) of Salisbury Cathedral.
Recent work highlights
Review of Winchester Cathedral
Acting for the Bishop of Winchester as Lead Reviewer in a statutory review of Winchester Cathedral, a matter subject to significant public scrutiny, examining leadership, culture, human resources and governance.
Makin Review
Advice in connection with high-profile clergy discipline proceedings arising from the Makin Review, the independent review into the Church of England’s handling of abuse allegations.
Election of the Archbishop of Canterbury
Officiating as “Proctor” at the election and confirmation of election of the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE as Archbishop of Canterbury.
Experience & education
2026 Partner, Birketts LLP
2023 – 2026 Partner, Winckworth Sherwood LLP
2021 – 2023 Senior Associate, Winckworth Sherwood LLP
2013 – 2019 Head of Employment, Batt Broadbent LLP
2006 – 2009 Associate, McDermott, Will & Schulte
2004 – 2006 Trainee, Linklaters LLP
