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.