David R Bruins, Estate Planning Attorney in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey
Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning, Government, and Litigation · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Of CounselatSmith, Crotty, Meyer & Bruins
Franklin Lakes, NJ
Practicing estate planning in Franklin Lakes since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you David R Bruins?
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Quick answer
David R Bruins is an of counsel based in Franklin Lakes, NJ. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Government, and Litigation. David has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith, Crotty, Meyer & Bruins. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Franklin Lakes, NJ
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- Estate Planning · Government · Litigation
- Handles Estate Planning, Government, and Litigation matters from Franklin Lakes, NJ.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About David R Bruins: David R Bruins is an of counsel based in Franklin Lakes, NJ. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Government, and Litigation. David has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith, Crotty, Meyer & Bruins. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
David's practice areas in Franklin Lakes
David concentrates on estate planning, government, litigation, real estate, and tax litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Estate Planning
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Government
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Litigation
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Real Estate
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Tax Litigation
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Appellate
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Estate Planning cases in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey
David takes estate planning matters in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Government cases in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey
David takes government matters in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey
David takes litigation matters in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey
David takes real estate matters in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Tax Litigation cases in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey
David takes tax litigation matters in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Biography
David R Bruins, estate planning attorney serving Franklin Lakes
David R Bruins is an of counsel based in Franklin Lakes, NJ. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Government, and Litigation. David has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith, Crotty, Meyer & Bruins. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review. David works from Franklin Lakes, New Jersey and takes on estate planning matters across the region.
David R Bruins is a lawyer practicing municipal law, real estate, estate planning and 2 other areas of law. David received a B.A. degree from Rutgers University in 1979, and has been licensed for 44 years. David practices at Smith, Crotty, Meyer & Bruins in Franklin Lakes, NJ.
How David handles estate planning matters
David R Bruins is a lawyer practicing municipal law, real estate, estate planning and 2 other areas of law. David received a B.A. degree from Rutgers University in 1979, and has been licensed for 44 years. David practices at Smith, Crotty, Meyer & Bruins in Franklin Lakes, NJ.
Who David represents
David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning, government, and litigation matters in Franklin Lakes and the surrounding New Jersey area.
Credentials
Credentials — where David studied and practices
Villanova University
J.D. · 1982
Rutgers University
B.A. · 1979
Jurisdictions
David's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1982 · ACTIVE
New Jersey
1982 · ACTIVE
David studied at J.D. in Villanova University and B.A. in Rutgers University.
Law school and academic background
David completed J.D. in Villanova University and B.A. in Rutgers University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in New Jersey is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
David's legal honors and published work
David has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
David R Bruins's office in Franklin Lakes
David's primary office is at 851 Franklin Lake Road, Franklin Lakes, NJ, 07417. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Smith, Crotty, Meyer & Bruins
851 Franklin Lake Road
Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of David R Bruins — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of David. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing estate planning attorneys in Franklin Lakes.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once David R Bruins claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire David R Bruins — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new estate planning attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; David will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a estate planning attorney in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey
A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate planning matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for David
David discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in estate planning practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every estate planning matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
David's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many estate planning practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about David R Bruins
How much does it cost to hire David for a estate planning case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does David offer a free consultation?
David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.
How long do estate planning cases in New Jersey typically take?
Simple estate planning matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can David take my case if I'm outside Franklin Lakes?
David is licensed in New Jersey. Matters governed by New Jersey law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — David will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with David?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is David accepting new estate planning clients right now?
David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Estate Planning attorneys serving Franklin Lakes, Trenton and Newark in New Jersey
David handles estate planning matters throughout New Jersey. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate planning attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated estate planning attorneys in New Jersey
If David's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these estate planning attorneys in Franklin Lakes handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.