Christen Culligan Bruu

Christen Culligan Bruu is Special Counsel in the Family Wealth & Estate Planning Department at Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP. She focuses her practice on estate planning, estate and trust administration, elder law, Medicaid planning, and tax-focused strategies for individuals and families. As an Accredited Veterans Affairs Attorney, she also advises veterans on essential benefits and planning options. Christen is known for providing clear guidance that helps clients make informed decisions about their future care, finances, and legacy.

Christen earned her J.D. from Albany Law School of Union University. She also holds a B.A. from the State University of New York at Buffalo. These degrees support her work in advanced planning, taxation, and estate administration.

Christen has helped clients throughout her career create firm estate plans that work for both simple and complex situations. She works closely with individuals to prepare documents that protect assets, outline personal care wishes, and plan for incapacity. Christen also advises clients on reducing estate taxes, protecting wealth from creditors, and avoiding unnecessary nursing home spend-down. Her work includes assisting with Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts, Generation Skipping Tax planning, and retirement benefit planning. For families handling the loss of a loved one, she guides them through estate administration, including post-mortem tax planning and trust management.

Christen Culligan Bruu is active in the legal community and serves in leadership positions within the Monroe County Bar Association, where she is Chair of the Trusts & Estates Section. She is also a member of the New York State Bar Association, contributing to professional programs and panel discussions on probate, estate planning, and other key topics. She has been a speaker for multiple New York State Bar Association courses and firm seminars, sharing her knowledge with lawyers and community members. Her ongoing work reflects a commitment to helping individuals understand their planning options and build secure futures for themselves and their families.

Law Office Affiliations

• Special Counsel, Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP
• Member, New York State Bar Associations, Trusts and Estates sections
• Chair, Monroe County Bar Associations, Trusts and Estates sections

Licensed State

• New York

Education

• Albany Law School of Union University
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• State University of New York at Buffalo
  Bachelor of Arts

Awards & Badges