Driscoll resigned from parliament in November after the Queensland Parliament Ethics Committee found him guilty of misleading the house about his financial interests and role in the Queensland Retail Traders and Shopkeepers Association.

Following the announcement of his preselection, Russo revealed to the Courier Mail that he was still representing Driscoll, but did not believe it would be a problem.

In 2005, Russo Lawyers merged with Brisbane-based national firm Ryan and Bosscher Lawyers. Russo left the firm in 2008 and revived Russo Lawyers, citing a “political” clash with partners as the reason for his departure.