Overview
Appellate Experience
Bruce is co-chair of the firm’s appellate advocacy practice. In addition to his deep experience in briefing and oral argument, Bruce has conducted extensive appellate motion practice, pursued and resisted petitions for extraordinary writs of mandamus and prohibition, and sought and opposed discretionary appeals.
Bruce also provides extensive pre-appellate consultation to litigants in state and federal trial courts, advising and guiding on anticipated appeals, motions, jury instructions, and other arguments directed to preserving issues for appeal.
Product Liability and Toxic Torts
Bruce has defended many toxic tort and other products liability claims. He has administered and defended hundreds of asbestos cases pending in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, coordinating asbestos pleadings, discovery requests and responses, motions, and court and attorney communications on behalf of more than 30 different companies.
Putting Clients First
Bruce litigates with clients’ interests as the top priority. He has handled appeals, litigation or potential litigation matters for clients such as:
- The National Football League
- Zimmer, Inc.
- Cirrus Industries, Inc.
- Cargill, Incorporated
- Novartis Pharmaceutical
- Wyeth Pharmaceuticals
- Fannie Mae
- BASF Corporation
- Brunswick Corporation
- TIC, The Industrial Company
- Mathy Construction Co.
- Minnesota Vikings Football Club
Services & Industries
Credentials
Bar Admissions
Minnesota
North Dakota
California
South Dakota
Court Admissions
U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota
U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota
U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota
Clerkships
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, Hon. Charles E. Wiggins, 1985-1986
Education
University of Minnesota Law School
J.D. magna cum laude, Order of the Coif, Law Review (managing editor) (1985)
University of Iowa
M.F.A. (1980)
Mankato State University
B.S. summa cum laude (1977)
Insights & Events
Latest
Insights
Other Perspectives
- Eighth Circuit Appellate Practice Manual
Chapters on Standing and Sanctions, Editions 1-6 - Tort Law Desk Reference, A Fifty-State Compendium
Minnesota chapter, 2009-2018 editions - Petitions for Discretionary Review and Petitions for Extraordinary Writs
PracticeLaw.org
Leadership & Community
Pro Bono
Professional Associations
- Minnesota State Bar Association — Appellate Section (Executive Council, 2000-06)
- Minnesota Rules of Civil Appellate Procedure — Advisory Committee, 2008
- Minnesota Juvenile Rules Committee — Expedited Appeals Subcommittee, 2008
- Warren E. Burger Inn of Court — President, 2000-01
- American Bar Association
- Hennepin County Bar Association
Honors
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Chambers USA — Minnesota, Litigation: Appellate, 2019-21
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Faegre Drinker — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2020
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JD Supra — Readers' Choice Awards, 2017
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Faegre Baker Daniels — Baker Benson Pro Bono Award, 2015; Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2014-16, 2018-19
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Best Lawyers®— Appellate Practice, 2012-15, 2017-22; Mass Tort/Class Action Litigation, 2013, 2015-22 (Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants' Lawyer of the Year, 2017, 2019); Product Liability Litigation, 2013, 2015-22
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Legal 500 — Recognized as a leading lawyer for Product Liability and Mass Tort Defense: Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices, 2007
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Minnesota Law & Politics — Super Lawyer, Appellate Practice (multiple years)