$ 250-300 per hour
About Bruce
Biography
I am licensed in both Kentucky and Indiana and actively practice in both states. Prior to focusing on estate planning and elder law, I had an extensive background in litigation, having handled cases in trials, and on appeal, in both states. This background allows me to help fully protect my client's interests when necessary.
Advice & Advocacy For Your Life & Legacy
Practice Areas
7
Practice Areas
Medicaid and Medicare
25%
15 years
Probate
20%
15 years
Trusts
20%
15 years
Elder Law
15%
15 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2025 2024 2023
...
+
6
Licenses
Licensed in Indiana for 33 years
State: Indiana
Acquired: 1992
No misconduct found
Licensed in Kentucky for 33 years
State: Kentucky
Acquired: 1992
No misconduct found
Location
Sturm, Paletti & Peter, PLLC
713 E. Market Street, Suite 100, Louisville, KY, 40202
brightwell-law.com/Law Offices of Bruce Alan Brightwell
(866) 221-1150
Fax
1212 State Street, New Albany, IN, 47150
brightwell-law.com/Gallery
Bruce Alan Brightwell's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | October 25, 2023 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Wonderful Attorney!!!!!
I live in Manchester, KY where lawyers do what they want, and act like it's okay. Our town is so crooked that they do illegal things often. A lawyer sent a paper home with my mom for me to sign, and I had no knowledge of what I was signing. He then told her to bring it back to him to notarize and fil...
Posted by Debbie | March 22, 2021 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Thank You . . .
I appreciate Mr. Brightwell responding to my question. Will follow his advice. Thank you!
Posted by Bridget | March 20, 2015
Client
Did great job. No always returned phone calls when messages left with answering service. Did respone when emailed Paralegal Becky was excellent and very responsive
Posted by Otis | March 11, 2015
Corporate Work
Bruce has helped me personally in a partnership dispute and with his expertise we defeated this unless lawsuit. Since that case I have used him in my business and property management concerns and each time his wisdom has been extremely valuable. No one looks forward to getting a bill from an Attorn...
Posted by anonymous | March 18, 2015
Trustworthy Lawyer
Mr. Brightwell was very helpful in dealing with a domestic situation. He advised me in how to effectively collect evidence to best support my case. Mr. Brightwell was also available to answer any questions I had about the process which helped to resolve some of my anxiety.
Bruce Alan Brightwell's Lawyer Endorsements
"I am consistently impressed by the level of expertise and dedication shown on Avvo. The detailed and thoughtful advice provided demonstrates a deep understanding of the law and a genuine commitment to helping others. The time and effort spent answering questions and offering guidance are truly commendable. I wholeheartedly endorse this attorney for their exceptional contributions to the Avvo community."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is highly knowledgeable in his practice area."
"Bruce is extremely knowledgeable in his area of practice. He truly cares about his clients and their best interests. I fully endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have worked with Bruce on several matters. I don't think any client could ask for more from any lawyer!"
Curtis Staropoli
Business lawyer
Natalie Colliersmith
Personal injury lawyer
Jeffrey Bellomo
Estate planning lawyer
Experience
Honors
2024
Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2023
Top Contributor, Avvo
2022
Top Contributor, Avvo
2021
Top Contributor, Avvo
2020
Top Contributor, Avvo
2019
Top Contributor, Avvo
2018
Top Contributor, Avvo
2017
Top Contributor, Avvo
2016
Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2004
Continuing Legal Education Award, Kentucky Bar Association
2003
President's Award, American College of Legal Medicine
2003
Continuing Legal Education Award, Kentucky Bar Association
1997
Pro bono Service Award, Louisville Bar Association
Work Experience
1998 - Present
Sole Practitioner/ Owner, Brightwell Probate & Elder Law
Associations
2010 - Present
National Academy of Elder Law AttorneysMember of Editorial Board, NAELA Law Journal
1997 - Present
American Bar Association, TIPS Appellate CommitteeMember
Order of the Barristers
Member
Indiana State Bar Association
Member
Louisville Bar Association
Member
Kentucky Bar Association
Member
American Bar Association
Member
1997 - 1998
Louisville Bar Association, Solo and Small Firm SectionChair
1996 - 1997
Louisville Bar Association, Young Lawyers DivisionChair
1996 - 1999
Louisville Bar Association, Professional Responsibility CommitteeMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Yeager v. McLellan, 177 S.W.3d 807
Settled
Education
1992
Indiana University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1989
Indiana University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2016
Elder Law CLE
Ethics in Estate Planning and Elder Law
2012
NAELA Annual Conference
Law Office Technology
Publications
2017
AFFC Publications
Tax Free Money for Long Term Care!
2016
NAELA Journal
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys Volume 12 Fall 2016 Number 2
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Top Contributor
Bruce earned significant contribution points in 2025.
Legal Answers
Q&A
How do I go about finding out if I was in a will?
11 Dec 2025
Q&A
As one of the executors of my moms will, what can I do to protect my family’s interests from stepsib
11 Dec 2025
Q&A
What can I do about the mortuary giving out ashes of someone other than the power of attorney in Ind
28 Nov 2025