Attorney Profiles

Education
- BA degree in History (with high honors),
  Ouachita Baptist University ( Arkansas ), 1976
- JD degree (with honors),
  University of Arkansas , 1979
           - member, The Arkansas Law Review

Practice positions and experience
- 1979-1988 The Strong Law Firm
   (then Strong, Placzek & Wooddell)
- 1988-present Bruer & Wooddell, P.C.

In both firms, for a total of 29 years, John's practice has been focused on representing individuals and families in personal injury and wrongful death claims. For the most recent 20 years, his practice has emphasized medical negligence cases.    

John is admitted to practice before all Missouri courts, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, the Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court.   

Professional activities and honors
- The Missouri Bar, member
- Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association, member   
                - Board of Directors, 1995 to 1998
- American Association for Justice (formerly ATLA), member
- Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys (MATA)
                - Board of Governors, 1998 present
- numerous publications and presentations for The Missouri Bar,   MATA, and other organizations
- American College of Trial Lawyers, Fellow (a peer-selected legal services organization made up of experienced trial lawyers selected on the basis of demonstrated trial skill, professionalism, and character)
- First Recipient (2007) of The Thomas G. Strong Trial Attorney Award (presented by MATA to the Missouri attorney who best exemplifies the qualities of professionalism, ethics, character, and courtroom success)
- Missouri Appellate Judicial Commission, member (elected in 2007 for a six year term)

Personal / Family
- born Hot Springs, Arkansas , 1953
- Married to Elaine for 30 years, two adult daughters