EDUCATION:
- Bachelor of Arts, 1978, UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Graduated, "With Distinction," (Psychology/Business).
- Juris Doctorate of Laws, 1982, UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO, Toledo, Ohio. Graduated, "Top Quarter."
- Government Counsel Certification, 1982,UNITED STATES NAVAL JUSTICE SCHOOL, Certified by the Judge Advocate General, United States Navy, to provide civil and criminal representation on behalf of the United States Navy, other branches of service, and all military personnel. Graduate of Reserve Law Refresher Course "With Honors," 1988. Completed second Refresher Course in 1998 and Operational Law Course in 1992. As the owner of the firm, I take great pride in my staff and network of professionals, who work hard to meet my clients' needs. We strive to make each client realize that they are protected and appreciated.
LICENSES:
- California (1986)
- Federal District Court, Eastern District Of California (1986)
- Article 27b Certification For Courts Martial (1982)
- Federal District Court, Eastern District Of Michigan (1982)
- Michigan (1982)
PROFESSIONAL AWARDS AND OFFICES:
- Professional Awards: Recipient of United States Navy "Meritorious Service Medal" (2005); "Senior Judge Advocate Commendation" (2001), "Navy And Marine Corps Commendation Medal" (2000), and the "Navy Achievement Medal" (Twice Awarded; 1986 & 1992). All awards herein mentioned were for professional performance as legal counsel for the Judge Advocate General Corps United States Navy.
- Professional Offices: Past President, Tulare County Trial Lawyers' Association (two terms).
- Past President, Tulare County Young Lawyers' Association.
- Professional Memberships: Tulare-Kings Estate Planners; Tulare County Bar Association
LITIGATION EXPERIENCE:
- 35 Jury Trials, 41 Non-Jury Trials, 42 Administrative Hearings (40 as counsel/2 as judge), 35 Arbitrations (as arbitrator), 2 Appellate Reversals and 127 Marital Dissolutions (including 210 OSC/Motions, 19 contested hearings and 7 trials).
CIVIL LITIGATION:
Personal Injury:
Verdicts, Judgments and Settlements include:
- Wrongful death from medical malpractice;
- Permanent disfigurement from propane explosion;
- Permanent disability from medical equipment failure;
- Loss of fingers from industrial power press;
- Permanent loss of mobility from trip and fall accident (store), (office complex) and (factory);
- Permanent paraplegic auto accident/medical malpractice; and
- Numerous automobile accident cases for either plaintiff or insurance defense, etc.
Business and Real Estate:
Verdicts, Judgments and Settlements include:
- Real Estate Fraud (Both in inducement and failure to disclose (Plaintiff & Defense));
- Sexual Harassment Defense;
- Numerous Breach Of Contract/Common Counts actions;
- Partnership Dissolutions (Professional & Commercial);
- Patent Enforcement;
- Fraudulent Transfer Defense;
- Quiet Title actions; and
- Release of Lien actions, etc.
Civil Judicial Experience:
- Arbitrator on 35 civil judicial arbitration cases.
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW LITIGATION EXPERIENCE:
- California Administrative Judicial Experience: Currently serves as Hearing Officer for the Tulare County Employees' Retirement Association regarding "service-connected disability retirements."
- California Administrative Law: Mr. Bruder defends Respondent real estate brokers and agents in Licensing Hearings before the California Department of Real Estate. He was defended a Certified Financial Planner before the Certified Financial Planning Board in Denver, Colorado and building contractors in arbitrations before Contractor's License Arbitration system.
- California Mediation and Arbitration: Mr. Bruder has served as a civil litigation mediator for the Tulare County Superior Court and have participated in numerous judicial and contractual arbitration hearings.
- Federal Administrative Hearings: I have served as either the Respondent's or Government's Counsel at over fifty Administrative Discharge Board hearings (Separation From Military), and have served as the Legal Advisor to the Board at numerous Administrative Discharge Board hearings and several Special Cases Boards (Mobilization Exclusion Requests).
FAMILY LAW LITIGATION EXPERIENCE:
Extensive Family Law experience involving 127 marital dissolutions including multimillion dollar asset divisions, complex custody and visitation issues, adoptions and conservatorships. Author of "Navy Legal Assistance Guide" chapters on divorce, adoption, and support.
PROBATE AND ESTATE PLANNING:
- Planning and drafting experience in the area of Wills, Trusts, and Powers of Attorneys. Mr. Bruder has probated numerous estates and has served as litigation counsel in Probate Court.
OTHER:
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRACTICE HISTORY
CAPTAIN, UNITED STATES NAVY JUDGE ADVOCATE
GENERAL CORPS, RETIRED
