Profile photo of Hon. Terence L. Bruiniers (Ret.)

Hon. Terence L. Bruiniers (Ret.)

Arbitrator Mediator Neutral Evaluator Special Master
San Francisco, CA, United States

About

Justice Bruiniers served nearly two decades within the California judiciary, including tenures on the First District Court of Appeal and the Contra Costa County Superior Court. Before his judicial appointments, he spent 17 years in private practice focusing on complex commercial litigation and served as a deputy district attorney. He is recognized for his deep expertise in integrating technology into legal processes and managing high-stakes disputes involving intricate technical and legal issues.

Practice Areas

Business & Commercial Civil Litigation Employment & Labor Insurance Intellectual Property Personal Injury & Torts Real Estate & Property Technology & Cyber

Professional Experience

Associate Justice
California Court of Appeal
First Appellate District
Judge
2009–2018
Contra Costa County Superior Court
Partner
1998–2009
Bruiniers & Gidney
1981–1998
Deputy District Attorney
Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office
1973–1981

Publications Leadership

  • Chair, Judicial Council of California’s Information Technology Advisory Committee
  • Member, California Judicial Council
  • Frequent lecturer on electronic discovery and legal technology
  • Author of various articles regarding appellate practice and court technology

Positioning Takeaways

His background as an appellate justice and trial judge makes him uniquely qualified for complex commercial disputes and appellate consultations. His specialized knowledge in cybersecurity and e-discovery provides a distinct advantage in modern data-driven litigation.

License & Certifications

  • State Bar of California

Education

J.D.
University of California, Berkeley School of Law
1973
B.A.
University of California, Berkeley
1970

Distinction

A pioneer in legal technology who led the California judicial branch's transition to electronic filing and digital case management.

Reputation

He is regarded by legal professionals as a highly analytical and technically proficient neutral who excels at resolving complex, document-intensive cases through a disciplined and fair approach.