Atty. Bruce Alan Brightwell

Atty. Bruce Alan Brightwell

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.

New Albany New Albany 34 yrs experience 34 year
Call (502) 678-4569 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Bruce Alan Brightwell at a glance

Bruce Alan Brightwell is a Principal based in New Albany, Indiana, practicing at Brightwell Elder and Probate Law. They have 34+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1992. Their practice focuses on trusts, probate, estate planning, poa, and elder law. Admitted to practice in Kentucky (1992), Indiana (1992), U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana and U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Distr (1992), and U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit (1993). Educated at Indiana University (J.D., 1992) and Indiana University (B.A. Journalism, 1989). Recognitions include BV Distinguished. Serands clients in New Albany, IN and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • 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

Practice Areas Explained

Bruce Alan Brightwell's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Bruce Alan Brightwell handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Trusts

Bruce Alan Brightwell is one of 104,171 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in Indiana →

Probate

Bruce Alan Brightwell is one of 128,014 probate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse probate attorneys in Indiana →

Estate Planning & Probate

An estate planning attorney prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to protect your family and pass on your assets.

Bruce Alan Brightwell is one of 226,536 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning attorneys in Indiana →

Power of Attorney

Bruce Alan Brightwell is one of 33,188 poa attorneys indexed nationally. Browse poa attorneys in Indiana →

Elder Law

Elder law attorneys for Medicaid planning, long-term care, guardianship, conservatorship, and elder abuse.

Bruce Alan Brightwell is one of 53,430 elder law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse elder law attorneys in Indiana →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Indiana

Practicing law in Indiana. Legal matters in Indiana are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in New Albany are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Indiana state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Indiana brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Indiana courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Indiana attorneys? Browse all attorneys in New Albany or all attorneys in Indiana.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Bruce Alan Brightwell

Where is Bruce Alan Brightwell's law office located?
Bruce Alan Brightwell's law practice is located in New Albany, Indiana. The firm is Brightwell Elder and Probate Law. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Bruce Alan Brightwell handle?
Bruce Alan Brightwell focuses on trusts, probate, estate planning, poa, elder law. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Indiana.
How long has Bruce Alan Brightwell practiced law?
Bruce Alan Brightwell has 34+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1992.
Where did Bruce Alan Brightwell go to law school?
Bruce Alan Brightwell earned their education at (J.D., 1992); (B.A. Journalism, 1989).
How can I contact Bruce Alan Brightwell for a consultation?
You can contact Bruce Alan Brightwell directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Bruce Alan Brightwell received?
Bruce Alan Brightwell's notable recognition includes: BV Distinguished.

Education

J.D.
Indiana University
- 1992
B.A. Journalism
Indiana University
- 1989

Awards

BV Distinguished

Bar Admissions

Kentucky
Admitted: 1992
Indiana
Admitted: 1992
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana and U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Distr
Admitted: 1992
U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
Admitted: 1993

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