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
1999-2011, district judge, Shawnee County, 3rd Judicial District
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
University of Kansas, B.S., education, 1981
Kansas City, Kansas, Community College, A.A., pre-law, 1979
Professional memberships and activities
Kansas Bar Association
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
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Kansas District
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.