Residential Adjunct Faculty
Education
- B.A., University of California, Berkeley (Political Science and Mass Communications) – high distinction
- M.A.T.S., Liberty University Rawlings School of Divinity – high distinction
- J.D., University of California College of the Law, San Francisco – magna cum laude
Areas of Interest
Intersection of law and culture, constitutional law, intellectual property, civil litigation
Experience
Licensed to practice law in California, Virginia, and the District of Columbia
- Senior Counsel and Vice President of Blackstone Strategic Engagement – Alliance Defending Freedom
- Partner – Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP
- Blackstone Fellow – Alliance Defending Freedom
- Law Clerk – Pacific Justice Institute
- Published in Intellectual Property & Technology Law Journal; The National Law Journal; The Recorder; The Young Lawyer; and Public Discourse
Biography
Nathaniel (Nate) Bruno serves as Senior Counsel and Vice President of Blackstone Strategic Engagement with Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF). ADF is dedicated to advancing every person’s God-given right to live and speak the truth and keeping the door open for the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In his role, Bruno coordinates efforts to provide attorneys commissioned as Fellows through the ADF Blackstone Legal Fellowship with opportunities to participate meaningfully in strategic legal cases and projects that aim to protect and advance religious freedom. He also helps develop and implement the curriculum for the annual Blackstone Legal Fellowship summer program.
Prior to joining ADF in January 2016, Bruno was a partner at the international law firm of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP, where he practiced intellectual property litigation and was co-leader of the firm’s intellectual property practice group that consisted of more than 70 attorneys. He achieved numerous excellent results for clients through trial, motion practice, alternative dispute resolution, and effective negotiation. Bruno also served for many years on Sheppard Mullin’s pro bono committee, leading efforts to provide access to justice for people unable to pay for counsel. His pro bono services included successfully suing a criminal pimp in a groundbreaking lawsuit under California’s civil human-trafficking-prevention statute and personally handling or supervising more than 30 adoptions of children out of the Los Angeles County foster care system. He also participated in pro bono efforts serving individuals who sought benefits available to veterans, disability benefits, and immigration-related services.
Bruno teaches curriculum within the Center for Lawyering Skills at Liberty University School of Law. He is passionate about equipping aspiring attorneys to steward their careers to impact law and culture for Christ and the increase of human flourishing.