Advancing democracy through justice, pro bono work and civil rights

Benjamin Rundall (JD ‘14), an attorney with Zwillinger Wulkan, has long been an advocate for marginalized communities and the protection of civil rights. Much of Rundall’s work involves representing people and cases that might otherwise lack legal representation.

“By connecting people with resources and information, or representing them directly, we are advancing democracy by strengthening confidence in the judicial process to peacefully and fairly resolve disputes. That is critical in a representative democracy where people accede some decision-making to others,” explained Rundall. “When people believe the system is working, that is better for the health of our democracy.”

For Rundall, this work is personal. His mother once faced a legal issue at work but could not afford a lawyer. He recalls her feeling the justice system was unfair, which caused her to lose confidence in the legal process.

Rundall’s passion for civil rights and constitutional law began during his first year at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. He credits the school with providing the foundational legal knowledge and connections to people already doing the work he cared about.

As a lawyer, Rundall believes he and others in his field can help offset the challenges people face in accessing the justice system. He encourages his peers to volunteer their time, whether to provide resources or represent clients in court.

Rundall’s commitment was recently recognized when the U.S. District Court and the Federal Bar Association named him the 2023 Pro Bono Attorney of the Year. This is a testament to the lasting impact of his work.

Rundall’s dedication to ensuring equal access to justice reflects the vision of ASU Law’s namesake, the late Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, who believed that a fair and accessible legal system is essential to the health of our democracy. By offering pro bono legal services and advocating for marginalized communities, Rundall helps strengthen public trust in the judiciary and ensures all people have a voice in the legal process regardless of their means

Written by Crystal Jimenez