Raleigh, NC – Bruce Thompson has been named to the 2026 edition of the Irish Legal 100. Bruce joins other attorneys, judges, and legal scholars on this year’s list, including Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and justices Amy Coney Barrett, Brett Kavanaugh, and Neil Gorsuch. It is the third straight year Bruce has been ranked.

The rankings were founded in 2008 by the Irish Voice newspaper in New York, which describes the Irish Legal 100 as a "compilation of the most distinguished legal professionals in the United States who share a common bond: pride in their Irish heritage."

Bruce leads Parker Poe’s Government & Public Policy Group. Recognized as a top North Carolina political influencer and one of the state’s most influential lobbyists, Bruce brings three decades of legal experience to his practice. He concentrates his practice in governmental and regulatory activities, including legislative representation and counsel before the United States Congress and the North Carolina General Assembly, strategy formulation, bill drafting, preparation of testimony for legislative committees, and appearances before state and federal executive agencies.

He also focuses on economic development initiatives, having advised Irish and other international businesses on foreign direct investment (FDI) and lobbying in the United States over the course of his career.

Bruce traces his Irish roots to the county of Derry. He serves on the advisory board of the Irish-American Business Alliance of North Carolina and, in September, participated in the Ireland for Law mission event in New York City.

This year’s honorees were celebrated at an October event at the residence of the Irish ambassador in Washington, DC.

About Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP
Parker Poe is a business law firm that advises clients on the decisions that define them and the moments in between. Rooted in the Southeast, the firm is committed to providing exceptional client experiences and practical solutions, with the national and international reach to serve clients wherever their business takes them.