Meet John J. Bruno, Jr. Esq.

Founding Partner / Bruno & Ferraro Attorneys at Law

As the founding partner of Bruno & Ferraro, John has built one of New Jersey’s most respected law firms on the strength of his legendary career. His ability to adapt seamlessly in any situation has earned him a reputation as one of New Jersey’s most accomplished attorneys. Known for his commanding presence, and instinctive ability to shift his strategy on demo he has secured acquittals and favorable results in some of the state’s most high-profile and complex matters.

John’s unique skill set — persuasive advocacy, and an innate sense for strategy has been the catalyst to delivering favorable results in some of the most high-profile and complex matters both on a state and federal level.

He has defended clients in cases involving homicide, sexual assault, child abuse, political corruption, white-collar crimes, drug trafficking and much more and consistently delivering results in matters where reputations, futures, and freedoms are on the line. Beyond his courtroom victories, John has been a teacher and thought leader, lecturing on DWI defense, white-collar strategy, courtroom technology, and teaching criminal law at the collegiate level. His influence extends beyond his clients, shaping the standards of the profession itself.

Respected by peers and honored by clients, John holds the AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell and the Avvo Client’s Choice Award (2025). His contributions have also earned him the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Italian American Police Society of New Jersey, the Outstanding Borough Prosecutor’s Award from Rutherford PBA, and the Equity Award for Highest Scholastic Average from Seton Hall Law.

With degrees from Fairleigh Dickinson University and Seton Hall University School of Law, John has carried his academic rigor and lifelong discipline into every case he handles. Since founding Bruno & Ferraro in 1980, he has been the cornerstone of its reputation for strength, integrity, and results.

For clients, John J. Bruno, Jr. is more than an attorney—he brings unparalleled trust and commitment to every client and has proven excellence at the highest level.

• Member of the American Bar Association
• New Jersey State Bar Association
• Pennsylvania State Bar Association
• Bergen County Bar Association
• Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of New Jersey
• Association of Trial Lawyers of America
• Rutherford Chamber of Commerce

• 2011 – Humanitarian of the Year Award – Italian American Police Society of NJ
• 1992 – Recipient of the Silver PBA Card – Local 300 – Rutherford PBA
• 1990 – Rutherford PBA Local 300 – Outstanding Borough Prosecutor’s Award
• 1979 – Seton Hall University School of Law – Equity Award for the Highest Scholastic Average

• 2011 – Humanitarian of the Year Award – Italian American Police Society of NJ
• 1992 – Recipient of the Silver PBA Card – Local 300 – Rutherford PBA
• 1990 – Rutherford PBA Local 300 – Outstanding Borough Prosecutor’s Award
• 1979 – Seton Hall University School of Law – Equity Award for the Highest Scholastic Average

1. Department of Justice (U.S. Attorney’s Office – District of New Jersey)

Bergen County Man Sentenced to 86 Months in Prison for Distribution and Possession of Child Pornography
Defense counsel: John J. Bruno, Jr., Esq., Rutherford, NJ
Published April 11, 2025
https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/bergen-county-man-sentenced-86-months-prison-distribution-and-possession-child

Ocean County Man Sentenced to 180 Months in Prison for Receiving and Distributing Child Pornography
Defense counsel: John Bruno, Jr., Esq.
Published April 30, 2025
https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/ocean-county-man-sentenced-180-months-prison-receiving-and-distributing-child

2. Professional Recognition & Features

Noticed® Press Release – “John J. Bruno, Jr., Has Been Recognized Among the Top in His Industry…”
Named a Distinguished Lawyer™. Published March 19, 2018
https://www.newswire.com/news/john-j-bruno-jr-has-been-recognized-among-the-top-in-his-industry-by-20348049

New Jersey Monthly – June 2022 Feature
Mentions Bruno as a Super Lawyers honoree
https://digital.njmonthly.com/njmonthly/june_2022/MobilePagedArticle.action?articleId=1792037

Bruno & Ferraro Blog – “New Jersey’s Own Announced as Super Lawyers”
Posted April 9, 2021; highlights Bruno’s reputation in NJ
https://brunoferraro.com/new-jerseys-own-announced-as-super-lawyers/

3. Local Media & Broadcast Appearances

Facebook Video – Interview with Criminal Defense Attorney John Bruno
After opening statements at the Bergen County Courthouse (circa April 5, 2018)
https://www.facebook.com/attorneysatyourside/videos/-interview-with-criminal-defense-attorney-john-bruno-after-opening-statements-wh/1824714260906676/