Derek E. Bruce
About Derek E. Bruce
Derek E. Bruce is a lawyer based in Orlando, FL and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2018. Derek E. Bruce is recognized in the following practice area:
- Orlando, Florida
- Government Relations Practice
Current Firm: Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart PA
Education: University of Florida, J.D., graduated 1998
Location: Orlando, FL
Nearby Lawyers
Raymond A. Traendly , a Florida native, graduated from the University of Central Florida with a B.A. in Political Science concentrating in Pre-Law studies. Mr. Traendly earned the “Dean’s List” throughout his three years at UCF. While at UCF, Mr. Traendly remained involved with his community. Mr. Traendly interned with the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association and organized community outreach events including expungement events. Mr. Traendly returned home to...
Beth-Ann Schulman is a shareholder and chairs the firm’s Construction Law Group. She is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Construction Law. As such, she is an expert in construction law matters involving construction defects, professional liability, property damage, breach of contract, liens and insurance coverage. Ms. Schulman represents general contractors, subcontractors, developers, distributors, manufacturers and design professionals in all areas of construction law in both a l...
Clifford B. Shepard holds the AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell and is listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers®. Cliff is a trial lawyer who practices and mediates extensively in the areas of government law, employment, defense, real estate, construction law, complex commercial litigation, and community association law. He is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in City, County and Local Government Law. He is the City Attorney for Maitland and Apopka and Town Attorney for the Towns...
Amanda A. Simpson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Amanda A., who practices law in Orlando, Florida, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Amanda A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Benton Wood is a partner in the firm's Orlando office. He represents private and public sector employers in all aspects of employment and labor law. Benton specializes in employment law litigation and has litigated a multitude of employment-related claims on behalf of management, including: sex discrimination, race discrimination, age discrimination, national origin discrimination, disability discrimination, unlawful retaliation, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) violations, Fair Labor Stan...
Jessica T. Travers is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Jessica T., who practices law in Orlando, Florida, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jessica T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Barton W. Morrison is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Barton W., who practices law in Orlando, Florida, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Barton W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Vanessa Bolton is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law. Vanessa, who practices law in DeLand, Florida, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Vanessa is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Catherine Henin-Clark is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Immigration Law. Catherine, who practices law in Winter Park, Florida, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Catherine is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Brian A. McDowell practices in the areas of bankruptcy, insolvency litigation and receiverships. In bankruptcy, Mr. McDowell has primarily focused on representing debtors, secured and unsecured creditors, tenants, landlords, asset purchasers, defendants in adversary proceedings and trustees. These matters have arisen in both voluntary and involuntary Chapter 11 cases. Mr. McDowell has conducted two jury trials in the United States Bankruptcy Court. In addition to Mr. McDowell's debtor and cre...
Explore and Learn
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
The Family Law Loophole That Lets Sex Offenders Parent Kids
by Bryan Driscoll
Is the state's surrogacy framework putting children at risk?
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions
by Bryan Driscoll
Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.
Holiday Pay Explained: Federal Rules and Employer Policies
by Bryan Driscoll
Understand how paid holidays work, when employers must follow their policies and when legal guidance may be necessary.
Reddit’s Lawsuit Could Change How Much AI Knows About You
by Justin Smulison
Big AI is battling for its future—your data’s at stake.
US Tariff Uncertainty Throws Canada Into Legal Purgatory
by Bryan Driscoll
The message is clear: There is no returning to pre-2025 normalcy.