Finding Purpose in the Practice: Anthony Bruster’s Legal and Life Lessons
Anthony Bruster’s path to becoming a lawyer wasn’t certain from the outset. Raised in a family who strongly valued education but without any close legal influences, his initial exposure to the profession came through his older sister, who broke new ground in their family by attending Baylor Law School. A visit to Dallas, where Bruster witnessed his sister in court, sparked a pivotal realization: he could channel his love for public speaking into a career satisfying his passion for debate and allowing him to help and serve people. This experience led him to declare law as his future occupation and set him on a course that would eventually bring him full circle as a faculty member at Baylor Law School.
As a law student, Bruster found himself particularly captivated by classes such as Evidence, Practice Court, and Civil Procedure. He credits this preference to a mix of excellent teaching by professors like the retired Abner V. McCall Professor of Evidence Jerry Powell and Professor of Law Bill Underwood, the challenging nature of the subjects, and the opportunity they provided to hone his advocacy skills. These classes were more than just academic exercises; they were foundational experiences that prepared him for the dynamic nature of legal practice. Bruster’s time in moot court and mock trial competitions at Baylor Law School confirmed his desire to practice trial law upon graduation.
The emotional highs and lows of being a trial lawyer have marked Bruster’s legal career. The tension-filled moments awaiting a jury’s verdict have been some of the most impactful experiences in his professional journey. He has learned that the relationships built during these cases are the most significant and lasting elements regardless of the outcome. This insight extends beyond the courtroom, reminding him that life is less about wins and losses and more about the connections made along the way. He notes, “Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but the people you meet and the relationships you form can last a lifetime.”
Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, Bruster grew up in Abilene, Texas, which he fondly considers his hometown. His roots in Texas have played a significant role in shaping his identity and values. In his downtime, Bruster enjoys spending time with his family—his wife of twenty-five years, Amy, and their three children. He also loves to travel, hunt, and explore the outdoors, trying to balance his demanding career with rich personal experiences. The Bruster family has been to Africa several times on “vacations with a purpose” with other close family and friends, trips that have made for lasting memories.
A decade ago, Bruster stepped back from the daily demands of a trial law practice to serve in various vocational ministry roles. This period was transformative, allowing him to explore different facets of his identity and career aspirations. Ultimately, it reaffirmed his calling to be a trial lawyer. He returned to the legal field with renewed purpose and played a pivotal role in building a new litigation firm over the past seven years. Now, as a member of the Practice Court faculty at Baylor Law School, Bruster is thrilled to be part of an institution renowned for its rigorous training of practice-ready lawyers.
Bruster’s journey is a testament to the power of following one’s passions while staying true to faith and family pursuits. From discovering a love for law through a sibling’s example to navigating the highs and lows of a legal career and shaping the next generation of lawyers, his story is one of growth, resilience, and the enduring importance of relationships. As he embarks on this new chapter in academia, Bruster brings with him a wealth of professional experience and a deep appreciation for the personal connections that define a fulfilling career in law and, ultimately, a fulfilling life.
For more information about Anthony Bruster, visit his bio page on the Baylor Law School website, here: https://law.baylor.edu/person/anthony-bruster.
