With a law career spanning over 30 years, Bruce Tigani maintains a broad-based business, tax, healthcare and real estate practice.

In providing clients an integrated focus to both transactional and planning aspects essential to their needs, Bruce delivers a coordinated and comprehensive approach to the representation of regionally based closely-held businesses, professional practices, and individuals.

In addition, Bruce counsels clients across the country seeking to take advantage of the unique opportunities Delaware offers trusts, corporations, and alternative entities. He also represents clients, nationally and internationally, on complex aspects of carried interest programs and tax equalization analysis, including related dispute resolution of claims.

Bruce’s practice includes representation of companies and individuals in the areas of stock & asset acquisitions; strategic business & succession planning; tax planning & controversies; healthcare law & medical practices, including regulatory and practice integration strategies; wealth transfer & estate planning, including dynasty and other Delaware-advantaged trusts; real estate acquisition & financing; estate and trust administration; structuring and formation of corporations & alternative entities; and commercial transactions.

With a broad background bridging the planning, transactional, and advisory needs of his clients through the years, Bruce handles associated government relations matters as a registered lobbyist. He has been instrumental in the drafting and passage of key legislation relating to Delaware businesses and trusts, as well as professional service corporations and the promotion of efficient delivery of healthcare by medical practitioners.

Bruce’s multidisciplinary experience and proactive approach underscores the integrated alignment of his clients’ personal and business-related tax, commercial, and estate planning objectives.

Bruce is admitted to practice in Delaware and Pennsylvania, as well as the U.S. Tax Court.

Professional Background
  • Prior to joining Morris James, Bruce chaired the Business Practice Group of a regional law firm based in Philadelphia, PA, with offices in Wilmington
Recent Matters
  • High level executives of Fortune 100 company, in varying capacities, including negotiation of terms of continued employment with successor company acquiring subsidiary, and pursuit of claims to enforce certain contractual rights accruing prior to termination
  • Lead tax counsel for Chancery-appointed Custodian in complex corporate §226 action, and participating representation to Custodian for all strategic business, financial analysis, bid evaluation, employee benefits and real estate planning and transactional aspects of Custodianship
  • Medical Practice Groups – Comprehensive strategic planning and transactional matters, including
    • Practice acquisitions and clinical integration
    • Proactive growth and geographical expansion
    • Regulatory compliance
    • Governance and compensation structures
    • Succession planning
    • Ambulatory surgery centers
    • Navigating transition from private practice to hospital practice
  • Acquisition of manufacturer and distributor of companion products throughout North and Central America to vertically integrate product line of client’s existing business
  • Workout of large unsecured loan portfolio on behalf of lender to preserve its loan position in real estate assets, then effectively and tax-efficiently obtain title to project by deed in lieu of foreclosure procedure

Engaged in the Community

  • Little Sisters of the Poor, Newark, DE, Residence and Healthcare Facility, Board Member
Honors
  • Chambers High Net Worth, Recognized for Private Wealth Law in Delaware, 2020 - Present
  • Best Lawyers®, 2011 - Present
  • Corporate INTL Tax Planning - Law Firm of the Year, 2018
  • Delaware Today Top Lawyers,
    • Estate, Probate + Trusts, 2021
    • Trusts and Estates, 2008, 2018-2019 
    • Healthcare Law, 2016-2018

Services

Admissions

  • Delaware, 1981
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware
  • U.S. Tax Court
  • Pennsylvania, 1982
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Education

  • Villanova University School of Law, JD,1981
  • University of Delaware, BS, magna cum laude, 1978
  • Georgetown University

Professional Affiliations

  • Delaware State Bar Association
    • Section of Taxation, Chair, 1992 – 93
    • Estates & Trusts Section, Chair, 1997 – 98
    • Real & Personal Property Section
  • American Bar Association, Sections of Business Law, Taxation, Health Law, and Real Property, Probate & Trust Law
  • Wilmington Tax Group, Chair, 1998 – 99
  • Estate Planning Council of Delaware, Board Member, 1997 – 2000