Bruce concentrates his practice in criminal defense. He received his undergraduate degree in 1975 from North Dakota State University and graduated with distinction from the University of North Dakota Law School in 1978.

Before joining the firm in 1989, Bruce spent several years as a prosecutor in the State's Attorney's office, Cass County, North Dakota, and as First Assistant Attorney General in the North Dakota Attorney General's office. His experience includes numerous jury trials and appeals in state and federal courts.

Bruce is a frequent speaker at seminars and meetings for lawyers, law enforcement and political subdivisions, and he organized a criminal defense section of the State Bar Association of North Dakota. He teaches at North Dakota State University and has written many articles and a book on criminal law. Bruce currently teaches criminal trial advocacy and criminal procedure at the University of North Dakota Law School.

Bruce is an active member of Hope Lutheran Church, ShareHouse, Inc., and former chairman of the North Dakota Horse Racing Commission. His wife, Roberta, sells real estate at Park Company. Bruce and Roberta have three children, Robert, Mitchell, and Anna. Robert practices criminal defense law in Bismarck, North Dakota.