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David E. Bruns

Judge David E. Bruns

appointed 2011

Judge

Judge David E. Bruns is a Kansas City, Kansas, native. He graduated from the University of Kansas and Washburn University School of Law. After a private practice career in Topeka, he was appointed a Shawnee County district judge, where he served until his appointment to the Court of Appeals.

 

Current term

January 2021–January 2025

Appointed to court 2011

 

Judicial experience

2011-present, judge, Court of Appeals

  • Presiding judge, Motions Panel

1999-2011, district judge, Shawnee County, 3rd Judicial District

  • Appointed by Governor Bill Graves

 

Previous professional experience

Attorney and partner, Goodell, Stratton, Edmonds and Palmer, Topeka, 1984-1999

Adjunct professor, Washburn University School of Law

Chief law clerk, Shawnee County District Court, 1982-84

 

Education

National Judicial College, 2000

Washburn University School of Law, J.D., 1984

  • Notes editor, Washburn Law Journal

University of Kansas, B.S., education, 1981

Kansas City, Kansas, Community College, A.A., pre-law, 1979

 

Professional memberships and activities

Kansas Bar Association

  • Board of Editors, KBA Journal

Missouri Bar Association

Honorable Earl E. O'Conner American Inn of Court

 

Awards and honors

American Legion Americanism Award, 2004, for his work in organizing the Topeka-Shawnee County Youth Court

Legal Aid Society of Topeka, Pro Bono Award, 1995

Top Project Award, ABA Young Lawyers Division, 1989

 

Community, civic, and charitable activities

Optimist International

  • Past International President, 2015-16

Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Kansas District

  • Chair of Board of Directors , 2015-present

 

Additional information

Born in Kansas City, Kansas, September 17, 1959

He and his wife, Shawn, have two adult children, a daughter-in-law, and two granddaughters.

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