Bulman Dunie Mourns the Passing of Larry Bulman

Lawrence “Larry” Bulman, our friend, colleague, mentor, and partner, passed away on April 15, 2022, at the age of 83.

Larry practiced law here at BDBF, the firm founded by his father, Joe Bulman, for several decades.

Larry lived a long and full life, surrounded by friends, children, and grandchildren.  He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given 2-4 months to live.  In true Larry Bulman fashion (his nickname was “The Bull”), he lived another two years after his initial diagnosis.

To learn more about Larry’s incredible life, his obituary is available here.

We asked Alan Feld and Barry Nudelman, two attorneys now “Of Counsel” to BDBF, who each practiced for more than 40 years as Larry’s partner, to share some memories.

What are 3 words you would use to describe Larry?

Alan Feld: Personable, competitive, and loyal.

Barry Nudelman: Warm, compassionate, easygoing.  He always had a smile.

What was Larry’s reputation in the legal community and the greater Montgomery County community?

AF: Larry was known in the profession and community as committed to the law, an astute businessman, and a dedicated contributor to community causes.

BN: He was at the outset seen as a litigator following in the footsteps of Joe Bulman, Arthur Feld, Maury Dunie, and John Burke, the founding fathers of the firm. His practice was focused on personal injury matters but he handled a business or real estate litigation matter from time-to-time if one arose. As his personal business investments expanded, his expertise in business matters grew and his reputation became more of a negotiator putting together business deals, real estate issues, and closings.

Do you have a funny story about your years with Larry that is fit to print?

AF: Larry was a fierce competitor be it speedboat racing, sailing, and all other activities—but when he took up golf, it was quite a challenge.

BN: One time Larry was called upon to “negotiate” an internal union dispute. Seems Larry met a Pittsburgh union leader through his speed boat racing. When the Baltimore chapter was fussing about a union policy, this executive called Larry to “negotiate” the matter. Larry professed to me that he knew nothing about labor negotiations but attended the meeting with the Pittsburgh executive. Larry’s presence and demeanor (he swore he said nothing) were a factor in settling the matter. And a significant legal fee was earned. In my opinion the mark of a true rainmaker.  Also, I can’t forget that many a business negotiation or a real estate closing ending with Larry handing out a “Whopper Card” entitling the holder to a free Whopper at one of the franchises Larry owned.

What was Larry’s most important contribution to BDBF?

AF: Larry continued the legacy of his father, the founder of the firm, and furthered the tradition of integrity and commitment to clients.  Larry personified dedication to the law firm family, his own family, and the greater community.

BN: Larry was a building block in what we’ve come to know as the firm’s culture—a recognition of life beyond the practice of law.  All told, I would say that it was his humanity and depth of character that left a mark on the firm. He was truly a mensch, in the best application of the word.