Our Roots
With legal roots in the Inland Southern California community since 1873, Varner & Brandt utilizes the deep relationships we’ve developed and continue to develop in the communities we serve to help our clients. With a focus on the importance of relationships, Varner & Brandt offers more than legal counsel through the formation of unique and consultative relationships with our clients.
“VARNER & BRANDT UTILIZES THE DEEP RELATIONSHIPS IT HAS DEVELOPED TO ANTICIPATE THE NEEDS OF OUR CLIENTS.”
— Bruce D. Varner, Founding Partner
Bruce Varner's roots and dedication to his community go deep with his active leadership over the years, providing much-needed guidance and support to local non-profit and charitable organizations as well as his involvement with some of the largest companies and business transactions in Inland Southern California.
Regularly volunteering his expertise by serving on the boards of numerous organizations, Bruce is committed to his community. He was appointed to the University of California Board of Regents in 2006, he is the current Chairman of the Board. He has served two terms as president of the National Orange Show board of directors, and he currently serves on the University Advisory Board for California State University, San Bernardino and on the Board of Trustees for the University of California, Riverside Foundation. He and his family also volunteer for and support numerous community organizations and charities including being a volunteer lieutenant for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office.
He also serves on the boards of directors for the Stater Bros. Companies, Super Rx Inc., Security Bank of California, Matich Corporation and the National Orange Show, and is a member of the Service Academy Review Board 41st Congressional District.
Not only does Bruce spend much of his own time serving the community, he requires it of the other members of the firm.
Brendan Brandt, our Managing Litigation Partner, is dedicated to serving his community and continually lends his expertise to various organizations, groups and agencies. He is an appointed member on the San Bernardino County Employees’ Retirement Association (SBCERA) Board of Retirement. He also serves on the Upland City Council.
In addition, Brendan was an elected member on the Upland Unified School District Board from 1999-2002, Vice Chairman of the Upland YMCA Board of Directors, a representative for the Baldy View Public and Private Coalition and a former executive committee member of the San Antonio Community Hospital Business Benefactors.
The Brandt family is deeply ingrained in the communities they live - coaching sports teams, serving on boards, raising money for charities, etc. They also enjoy the legal profession as his father, Barry Brandt and brother, Brian Brandt are also attorneys in Inland Southern California.
Sean Varner, our Managing Partner, serves the community in many non-profit and business advisory roles. Sean’s great, great grandfather, Henry Goodcell, Jr. moved to San Bernardino County in 1857 and began his San Bernardino County practice of law in 1873. He was appointed San Bernardino County District Attorney in 1876 and then continued in private practice.
Henry Goodcell’s son, Sean’s great grandfather Rex Goodcell, was admitted to the bar in 1901, was elected District Attorney of San Bernardino County in 1910 and in 1918 was elected a Judge in the Superior Court in San Bernardino County. Like Bruce and Sean Varner, Henry and Rex Goodcell practiced law together.