SMU Law's Deason Center Announces New Criminal Justice Law Scholar
The Deason Criminal Justice Reform Center at SMU Dedman School of Law is proud to welcome James Bruner as a new Criminal Law Scholar. Bruner will join a distinguished group of scholars committed to advancing research, advocacy, and reform in the criminal legal system.
In addition to receiving a scholarship to attend SMU Law, Bruner will spend his 1L summer immersed in Deason Center projects focused on pressing challenges within the criminal justice system. In his 2L year, he’ll build on that experience, contributing to data-informed research and policy work that supports the Center’s mission to drive innovative reform.
The Deason Center is excited to support Bruner as he begins his journey as a Criminal Law Scholar and contributes to impactful projects that address urgent issues in criminal justice.
The Deason Center’s Criminal Law Scholarship program continues to set SMU apart in building the next generation of leaders in criminal justice reform.
After graduation, he went to work for the County Clerk’s Office in Collin County. Starting as a general filing clerk, he was quickly promoted to being a Court Clerk, and then eventually a Criminal Lead Clerk overseeing his old section. Supervising a team almost entire of people his senior gave him an opportunity to learn and practice servant leadership, maximizing the potential of those he oversaw.
After two and a half years with the county, he was ready for a new challenge and he decided to take his talents and passion to SMU Dedman School of Law, where he is currently a 1L.