Bruce joined Dunhill Madden Butler (now Deacons) insurance practice in 1993. He conducted litigation in TAC and general insurance work, including "crash and bash", medical negligence and product liability. Bruce prepared cases for trial in the Magistrates Court, County Court, Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and VCAT. He was appointed an Associate in 1997.

In 1998 Bruce joined TAC Law Pty Ltd as Legal Counsel and conducted the defence of VCAT impairment/weekly payments/medical expenses disputes, County Court serious injury originating motions, Damages Writs and Court of Appeal serious injury appeals.

Bruce joined the Victorian Workcover Authority ("VWA") in 2001 as Senior Legal Counsel, where he managed scheme liabilities including common law, statutory benefits, lump sums, legal costs and recoveries. Bruce was also responsible for the delivery of legal policy, protocols and guidelines for the VWA's Legal Panel Firms.