Bruce M. Plaxen

Bruce Plaxen is the founding partner of Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. and a nationally recognized personal injury attorney with more than 40 years of experience representing individuals and families harmed by negligence. Over the course of his career, he has handled a wide range of complex, high-stakes cases, including motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death claims, premises liability, product liability, medical malpractice, and other personal injury matters. His work has included participation in major litigation arising from catastrophic events and large-scale disasters, including the legal proceedings stemming from the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, which resulted in resolutions of claims against the owner and operator of the container ship that struck the bridge in connection with the tragic deaths of six construction workers.

Bruce currently serves as the 80th President of the American Association for Justice. He is the first attorney from the Maryland bar to lead the nation’s largest trial lawyer organization. In this role, Bruce’s leadership reflects decades of courtroom advocacy as well as work shaping policy, supporting fellow trial lawyers, and protecting access to the civil justice system.

In Maryland, Bruce has been a longstanding leader within the Maryland Association for Justice. He has served on the Board of Governors since 1993 and held nearly every leadership position within the organization, including President from 2001 to 2002. He also served for many years as Chairman of the MAJ Political Action Committee, working closely with legislators in Annapolis to advocate for laws that protect injured individuals and preserve consumer rights.

Bruce has also played a role in public policy outside of the courtroom. He has been appointed multiple times to the Maryland Governor’s Salary Commission by Senate Presidents Thomas V. “Mike” Miller and Bill Ferguson, and has been selected to chair the Commission, including by unanimous vote. In that role, he helps determine compensation for Maryland’s constitutional officers.

His commitment to helping others extends beyond his practice. Following the September 11 attacks, Bruce helped organize Trial Lawyers Care, the largest pro bono legal effort in history. Through that initiative, every family of a 9/11 victim was offered free legal representation. He also provided pro bono assistance to victims of major disasters, including those affected by the Ellicott City flood.

Education and Admissions

• J.D., American University Washington College of Law
• B.A., State University of New York at Albany (cum laude)
• Admitted, Maryland (1982)

Leadership in the American Association for Justice

Bruce has been deeply involved with the American Association for Justice for more than two decades, serving on its Board of Governors since 2003 and holding nearly every officer role before becoming President.

As AAJ President, Bruce focuses on protecting the right to trial by jury and strengthening the civil justice system nationwide. He has consistently spoken about the importance of access to the courts and the role trial lawyers play in holding corporations and institutions accountable. He encourages lawyers across the country to stay engaged in legislative and policy efforts that affect the rights of injured individuals.

Leadership Roles and Service

• President, AAJ (2025–present)
• President Elect (2024–2025)
• Vice President (2023–2024)
• Secretary (2022–2023)
• Treasurer (2021)
• Parliamentarian (2020)
• Board of Governors (since 2003)
• Executive Committee (multiple terms, 2003–present)
• National Finance Committee (since 2005)
• Leaders Forum (since 2007)
• AAJ PAC Taskforce and Trustee (since 2010)
• Organizational Review Committee
  • Member (2004–2021)
  • Chair (2013–2020)
• Retirement Committee Chair (2019–2020)
• Convention Planning Committee
  • Member (2002–2013)
  • Chair (2007–2013)
• Council of Presidents
  • Member (2000–2003)
  • President-Elect (2002–2003)
  • President (2003–2004)

Bruce has also been involved in AAJ’s fundraising efforts since 2001, serving in leadership roles, including chair, co-chair, and regional and state captain, for major initiatives.

AAJ Awards and Recognition

• Joe Tonahill Award (2023)
• AAJ Evergreen Award (2023)
• Wiedemann & Wysocki Citation of Excellence (2003, 2010, 2016, 2020)
• AAJ Above & Beyond Award (2019)
• AAJ Distinguished Service Award (2017)