Veteran Attorney Reflects on Decades of Dedication, Mentorship, and Advocacy That Shaped His Leadership at Plaxen Adler Muncy and Beyond
July 16, 2025 — Bruce Plaxen, founding partner of Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A., and President-Elect of the American Association for Justice (AAJ), shared insights into his journey to law firm leadership in an exclusive interview with Law.com, emphasizing that “leadership is earned through dedication.” Plaxen, whose Maryland-based firm has represented personal injury victims since 1985, detailed how his commitment to clients, mentorship, and legislative advocacy propelled him to prominence in both his practice and the broader legal community.
Plaxen founded Plaxen Adler Muncy with a mission to advocate for injury victims, quickly earning a reputation for aggressive, creative, and empathetic representation. “From day one, I limited my practice to personal injury because I saw greed causing harm—whether at a carnival ride or in a hospital,” Plaxen said, recalling a formative case involving a teenage client injured due to a carnival ride’s faulty safety measures. His firm’s landmark victories, including the largest slip-and-fall verdict in Howard County history and the largest wrongful birth verdict in Montgomery County, reflect his relentless pursuit of justice.
His leadership extends beyond the courtroom. Plaxen has served on the Maryland Association for Justice (MAJ) Board of Governors since 1993, holding every office, including President (2001-2002), and is the only two-time recipient of MAJ’s President’s Award (2007, 2010) for his work protecting victims’ rights. Nationally, he has been a transformative figure in the AAJ, serving on its Executive Committee and earning multiple awards, including the Joe Tonahill Award (2023) for mentoring young lawyers and the Distinguished Service Award (2017). Elected AAJ President-Elect in 2024, Plaxen will assume the presidency in July SAG, a historic first for a Maryland attorney.
“Leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about showing up every day for your clients and colleagues,” Plaxen told Law.com. His mentorship of young attorneys, including his son, partner Josh Plaxen, and his role in co-organizing the largest pro bono project in history for 9/11 victims’ families, exemplify this ethos. Former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley praised Plaxen’s ability to bring “stories of real people” to legislative battles, enhancing his credibility in Annapolis.
Despite losing an early AAJ leadership race, Plaxen’s resilience—regrouping and winning a later election—underscored his dedication. “I never put my ego first,” he said, a sentiment echoed by MAJ’s current PAC chair, George Tolley, who noted Plaxen’s focus on justice over personal gain. Plaxen’s legislative efforts, including chairing MAJ’s Political Action Committee (2001-2016, 2018-2021), have helped safeguard civil justice laws.
Plaxen’s firm, now with ten offices across Maryland, continues to grow, with partners like David Muncy, who became a partner in 2017, and Samantha Dos Santos earning accolades such as Maryland Super Lawyers Rising Stars. Plaxen’s advice to aspiring leaders: “Be passionate, empathetic, and persistent. Leadership is about serving others.”
For the full interview, visit Law.com.