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Bruce M. Plaxen – 80th President of the American Association for Justice
Bruce Plaxen made history as the first Maryland bar attorney elected President of the American Association for Justice (AAJ). He now leads the nation’s largest trial lawyer organization, which represents thousands of advocates committed to protecting civil justice. His presidency follows more than four decades of service to injury victims and the trial bar.
Leadership vision
Bruce is focused on protecting the right to trial by jury and strengthening the civil justice system nationwide. He has long warned that civil justice is under attack from efforts to limit victims’ rights and restrict jury trials. In his role as AAJ President, he is continuing to call for vigilance and unity among trial lawyers to safeguard injury victims’ access to the courts. Bruce aims to inspire trial lawyers to participate in shaping policy and legislation that protects the rights of injured individuals.
About Bruce Plaxen
Bruce is the founding partner of Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A., with more than 40 years of experience in personal injury litigation. As the past President of the Maryland Association for Justice (MAJ), he served on the Board of Governors starting in 1993. Bruce is a longtime leader within AAJ, where he started serving on the Board of Governors in 2003, and has held nearly every officer role prior to taking office as President.
He is a recipient of multiple national and state honors, including MAJ’s President’s Award (three-time honoree), Maryland Trial Lawyer of the Year (2009), AAJ Distinguished Service Award, Joe Tonahill Award, Evergreen Award, and the Wiedemann Wysocki Citation of Excellence (four-time recipient). He has also been named one of The Daily Record’s Influential Marylanders in 2025.
Bruce is widely recognized for his mentorship of younger attorneys and commitment to strengthening the plaintiff’s bar nationwide. He has spearheaded critical pro bono efforts, including the landmark Trial Lawyers Care program that provided free representation to 9/11 victims’ families.
Our Newsletters
July 2026 – Looking Back on a Momentous Year
AAJ President and firm partner Bruce M. Plaxen reflects on a landmark year defending the civil justice system—90+ legislative battles won, major Supreme Court victories, and a rallying call for the trial-lawyer community.
June 2026 – The Bonds That Unite Us
In the June Trial Magazine President’s Page, American Association for Justice President and Plaxen Adler Muncy Founding Partner Bruce Plaxen reflects on what sets the trial lawyer community apart: the relationships that bring us together.
May 2026 – Preparation Is Key
In this month’s Trial Magazine President’s Page column, Founding Partner and President of the American Association for Justice Bruce Plaxen, emphasizes a core message for trial lawyers: trial prep isn't just good practice – it's the key to success.
April 2026 – Justice Without Borders
Founding partner Bruce Plaxen’s President’s Page in Trial magazine shares his journey from a young lawyer with a used typewriter to leading AAJ as its 80th President. His message: find inspiration, stand together, and fight for civil justice.
Read the full column from the April issue of Trial magazine.
March 2026 – Master the Business of Law
Bruce covered the leadership and management skills lawyers need to run a successful trial practice. He discussed succession planning, firm culture, and how thoughtful leadership is critical for building stronger law firms.
Read the full column from the March issue of Trial magazine.
February 2026 – AAJ’s Multifaceted Advocacy Strengthens Us
Bruce discussed how AAJ works in courts, legislatures, and public policy to protect trial lawyers and their clients. He also pointed to ongoing efforts to challenge tort reform campaigns and preserve access to justice.
Read the full column from the February issue of Trial magazine.
January 2026 – AAJ Is Our Ally in Seeking Justice
Bruce reflected on trial lawyers' responsibility when clients trust them with their stories. He highlighted AAJ's role in supporting attorneys nationwide as they advocate for accountability and justice.
Read the full column from the January issue of Trial magazine.
December 2025 – On the Front Lines of Consumer Safety
Bruce examined the ways in which product liability cases expose dangerous corporate decisions, leading to safer products. He also warned about legislative efforts that could weaken consumer protections.
Read the full column from the December issue of Trial magazine.
November 2025 – Keep Justice Within Reach for All
Bruce wrote about the role trial lawyers play in standing up for injured people and holding powerful institutions accountable. He also discussed AAJ’s work to challenge forced arbitration and defend access to the courts.
Read the full column from the November issue of Trial magazine.
October 2025 – Prepare Every Case Like It’s Going to Trial
Bruce wrote about the importance of preparing every case thoroughly from the beginning, even when a settlement seems likely. He explained how strong preparation, detailed investigation, and careful case strategy help trial lawyers achieve better outcomes for their clients.
Read the full column from the October issue of Trial magazine.
September 2025 – A Passion to Protect the Environment
Bruce interviewed environmental attorney Gale Pearson about the challenges of litigating toxic tort and PFAS contamination cases. Their discussion explored the importance of environmental litigation and the role trial lawyers play in holding corporations accountable for pollution that harms communities.
Read the full column from the September issue of Trial magazine.
August 2025 – Let AAJ Inspire You to Fight for Justice
Founding partner Bruce Plaxen’s President’s Page in Trial magazine shares his journey from a young lawyer with a used typewriter to leading AAJ as its 80th President. His message: find inspiration, stand together, and fight for civil justice.
Read the full column from the August issue of Trial magazine.
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