Bruce A. Brightwell, a magna cum laude graduate from the Indiana University School of Law in Bloomington in 1992, has been a licensed attorney in both Indiana and Kentucky since 1992. His practice is concentrated in the Kentuckiana area, where he represents clients at every level of the state and federal courts in both states. Recognized as a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney by the National College of Trial Advocacy, Bruce has demonstrated a high level of skill in civil trial advocacy.
As an Adjunct Professor at the Brandeis School of Law, Bruce imparts his knowledge by teaching Wills and Trusts. Actively involved in legal associations, he is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and serves as the Executive Editor of the NAELA Law Journal. Bruce has presented programs at the annual NAELA conference, contributing to the legal education of his peers.
Bruce's dedication to the legal community is evident in his involvement with the Louisville Bar Association, where he served as the past Chair of the Probate & Estate Planning Section and currently chairs the Communications Committee. Additionally, he is a licensed Life and Health Insurance agent in both Indiana and Kentucky.
Bruce's publications showcase his legal insight, with notable works such as "Police ‘Expert’ Testimony Regarding Drug Trafficking Should be Examined under the Daubert Test" in The Advocate (May/June 2002) and "Engaging Issue – Who Gets to Keep the Engagement Ring When the Marriage is Called Off?" in The Advocate, Vol. 4, 14 (2001).
With a wealth of experience, Bruce has presented seminars on various legal topics, including Law Office Technology at the NAELA Annual Conference (April 2012) and Challenges in Insurance Coverage at the National Business Institute (October 2002).
His reported cases include Yeager v. McLellan, 177 S.W.3d 807 (Ky. 2005) and Rakhman v. Zusstone, 957 S.W.2d 241 (Ky. 1997), among others, showcasing his impact on legal precedent. Bruce's contributions extend beyond the courtroom, as he co-authored an Amicus Brief for the American College of Legal Medicine in the case Kentucky Ass’n of Health Plans, Inc. v. Miller, 538 U.S. 329, 123 S.Ct. 1471 (2003).
Awards and recognitions punctuate Bruce's career, with highlights including the American College of Legal Medicine President’s Award (2003), Kentucky Bar Association Continuing Legal Education Award (2003, 2004), Louisville Bar Association Pro Bono Service Award (1997), and induction into the Order of the Barristers (1992).
Bruce actively engages in civic activities, having completed the Focus Louisville program in 2003 and being a member of MENSA since 2002. He is also involved in Toastmasters International and the Navy League, demonstrating a commitment to professional and civic development.
Bruce has made media appearances on WHAS Radio for a Mock Trial Presentation (October 1996) and the Ask The Lawyers Program (multiple appearances from April 1997 to February 2007). His representative clients include Dunn-Rite Construction Company, Intra-Med Services, Inc., Stanley Schultze Company, and Weissinger-Gaulbert Apartments.
In addition to his legal practice, Bruce enjoys working out, spinning, trying new restaurants, and supporting New York sports teams. He resides in Bedford, New York, with his wife, two children, and two dogs.
