Bruce Ishimatsu
Bruce Ishimatsu, Esq., AWI-CH
Of Counsel
Bruce is a seasoned business strategist with decades of experience transforming complex legal challenges into practical solutions. He partners closely with his clients to investigate workplace conflicts and provide strategic counsel that protects their interests while fostering positive business outcomes. Whether he is conducting sensitive workplace investigations or advising on employment law matters, Bruce leverages his extensive litigation background and international business acumen to deliver results that truly serve his clients’ needs.
Bruce conducts thorough, impartial investigations in response to allegations of workplace misconduct, including harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination. His investigation expertise extends to complex matters involving ethical violations, whistleblower claims, and unfair treatment. Bruce also provides comprehensive employment law counsel, advising clients on hiring practices, wage and hour compliance, performance management, discipline, and termination strategies.
With his unique international perspective, Bruce excels at helping multinational corporations navigate cross-cultural workplace challenges. He has extensive experience working with Pacific Rim companies and understands the nuanced business protocols that drive successful international employment relationships.
Bruce's Background
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Prior to joining Aecus Law, Bruce was a partner at several prestigious national law firms, including Bird, Marella, Boxer, Wolpert, Nessim, Drooks & Lincenberg; Loeb & Loeb LLP; and Bryan Cave LLP. His litigation practice included successfully handling multi-million dollar federal court trials, complex business disputes, and internal corporate investigations. Bruce has represented clients in state and federal courts nationwide and before administrative agencies, managing everything from eDiscovery to witness credibility assessments.
Bruce’s international expertise is particularly distinctive. He has represented Pacific Rim companies in business transactions and litigation matters, traveling extensively to Japan to work directly with multinational corporate headquarters. This experience has given him intimate familiarity with Asian business cultures and protocols, making him uniquely qualified to serve clients with international operations.
His transactional practice focuses on advising corporations on contract development and risk management strategies, always with an eye toward minimizing litigation exposure based on his extensive courtroom experience.
Bruce's Education & Professional Affiliations
Bruce earned his Bachelor’s degree in Government from Pomona College, where he served as Senior Class President, and his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center, where he was Senior Editor of the International Law & Policy in Business Journal.
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Bruce’s leadership in the legal profession is extensive and impactful. He served as elected Vice President for Finance & Development on the executive board of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), representing over 50,000 APA attorneys nationwide. He previously served as Chair of NAPABA’s global Partners Committee and was Co-Chair of NAPABA’s 2010 National Convention in Los Angeles, where he received the organization’s prestigious President’s Award for Outstanding Service.
Bruce has served as a Commissioner on the State Bar’s Judicial Evaluations Commission and as Deputy General Counsel on the Rampart Independent Review Panel for the Los Angeles Police Commission. He is a past President of both the Japanese American Bar Association of Greater Los Angeles Area and the statewide Asian/Pacific Bar of California.
Bruce is admitted to practice in California (1979) and before all federal courts in California. He maintains an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and serves as a current FINRA arbitrator.
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About Bruce