Bruce D. Varner

“I’m a problem solver. Instead of telling clients they can’t do something, I like to help them figure out how they can.”

— Bruce Varner

Bruce D. Varner, Founding Partner of Varner & Brandt LLP, leaves an extraordinary legacy as one of Southern California’s most respected corporate attorneys, a visionary leader, and a devoted member of the Inland Empire community.

Bruce dedicated his distinguished legal career to advising businesses in the areas of general business, corporate, real estate, banking, and transactional law. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he attended on a football scholarship, and received his Juris Doctor, with honors as a member of the Order of the Coif and Thurston Honor Society, from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.

Throughout his career, Bruce was widely recognized as one of the foremost corporate and business transactional attorneys in Southern California and across the nation. Alongside his exceptional team at Varner & Brandt LLP, he guided some of the Inland Empire’s largest companies through transformative transactions while remaining equally passionate about helping small businesses and entrepreneurs establish, grow, and succeed. His counsel, insight, and unwavering commitment to his clients made him a trusted advisor whose influence extended far beyond the boardroom.

Those who worked alongside Bruce admired his remarkable work ethic, strategic mind, and steadfast dedication. Clients, colleagues, friends, and family remember him as a man of integrity, intelligence, and determination—someone who approached every challenge with purpose and every relationship with genuine care.

As Jack H. Brown, Chairman and CEO of Stater Bros. Markets, once said, Bruce was

“One of the most outstanding business attorneys in Southern California and the most outstanding business attorney, certainly, in the Inland Empire.”

Bruce’s commitment extended well beyond his legal practice. A passionate supporter of his community, he generously volunteered his time and expertise to numerous charitable and civic organizations, serving on many boards of directors throughout his career. His service included volunteering with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Council and Specialized Services Bureau, and he proudly served as Chair of the University of California Board of Regents. His leadership, generosity, and dedication helped strengthen the institutions and communities he cared so deeply about.

Above all, Bruce was devoted to his family and friends. Despite the demands of an accomplished career, he always made time for those he loved, bringing the same energy, loyalty, and generosity to his personal life that defined his professional one.

Bruce’s legacy lives on through the countless clients he guided, the businesses he helped build, the community he served, and the many lives he touched with his wisdom, kindness, and unwavering character. He will be deeply missed and remembered with great respect, admiration, and gratitude.