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Kell Alterman & Runstein associate James Bruce became interested in law during his first job at Enron. After that job came to a tumultuous and highly public end, Bruce attended the University of Oregon鈥檚 School of Law, where he learned the skills needed to become a successful small business attorney.

Today, Bruce acts as legal counsel to more than 50 local and regional clients in various industries. Complementing his small business practice, he also has a growing estate planning practice and has assisted numerous individuals and families in creating estate plans so that their businesses鈥� succession issues are addressed.

While Bruce said the job market for lawyers when he graduated five and a half years ago was tough, it has become worse. As a volunteer with the Oregon New Lawyers Division, Bruce chairs the Continuing Legal Education subcommittee, offering low cost CLE credits and helping young attorneys network. He also assists the Practical Skills Through Public Service program, which matches unemployed and underemployed attorneys with community nonprofits that need legal services.

鈥淛ames has worked diligently behind the scenes to set up an application, administrative review process and budget for the program,鈥� said David Eder, attorney and member of the Oregon New Lawyers Division. 鈥淭he PSTPS program was able to place 38 lawyers into organizations that provide legal services to those in need.鈥�

In his spare time, Bruce heads up the Ambassador Board for New Avenues for Youth, an organization that works with homeless youth to get them off the street, address mental health issues and get them into job training programs.

鈥淭he economic times affect the homeless youth population and the availability of donations these agencies depend on,鈥� said Bruce. 鈥淥ur parents鈥� generation can write bigger checks, but it鈥檚 important to raise awareness from the next generation on issues facing homeless youth.鈥�

What is your most treasured possession?

Winston, my dog (who owns who is up for debate).

What is the first concert you attended?

Beastie Boys!

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

Telekinesis.

What is something that most people don鈥檛 know about you?

That I wish I had telekinesis.

What is the best part of being an attorney/the worst?

Best part is helping someone solve a problem they were unable to solve themselves. Worst is the long hours.

What was the most influential Supreme Court decision of all time?

I’m not sure about the most influential of all time, but the Citizens United v. FEC case is the most influential case of my lifetime.

What was the most harmful Supreme Court decision of all time?

Dred Scott v. Sandford or the Slaughter-House cases.

What was your favorite course in law school? Your least favorite?

Favorite was Corporate Finance with Prof. McAniff.聽 Least favorite was federal tax II.

If you hadn鈥檛 become an attorney, what career would you have pursued?

Probably something in banking or finance.

What person do you most admire?

Warren Buffett comes to mind as someone who has had enormous financial success and is also an advocate for a number of important causes.

Do you have any tattoos?

No.

The coast or the gorge?

The coast.

If you could have a drink with any person, dead or alive, who would it be?

I think it would be fun to have a beer with President Obama.

What do you spend your non-lawyer time doing?

Relaxing at home with my wife, golfing, fishing, and checking out the great food and beer scene in Portland.