David Ruzumna has dedicated over two decades to practicing law in Seattle, building a career grounded in the belief that the legal system should serve everyone equally.
From his early days as a sociology major to running his own law practice since 2000, David Ruzumna has championed fairness, taking on cases that protect the vulnerable and hold systems accountable. His path reflects a blend of intellectual rigor, personal conviction, and a deep connection to his community.
Now, he balances his legal work with pro bono efforts, family life, and a passion for supporting local theater and animal welfare, all while serving as a judge pro tem in King County District Court and other regional courts.
“I’ve always seen the law as the great equalizer,” Ruzumna says. “It’s where even the richest, most powerful people are treated on an equal plane with the poor and powerless so that everybody is treated equally under the law.” This principle has shaped his approach, whether he’s defending a small business owner or volunteering his legal skills to nonprofits.
Born and raised in Los Angeles’ Brentwood neighborhood, David Ruzumna initially pursued sociology at Humboldt State University, graduating with a degree that sparked his interest in societal structures. After college, he took a year to explore his options. Law school became the answer, and during those years, he met the woman who would become his wife.
By 1997, he had proposed, passed the bar exam, and embarked on his legal career. After a year at a small firm, he struck out on his own, launching a practice that has defined his professional life for 25 years. His work as a judge pro tem, which began after an unsuccessful run for Superior Court judge in 2012, grew steadily until he was serving nearly full-time through April 2025.
From courtroom victories to community service, Ruzumna’s life is one of steady commitment and a keen dedication to making a difference. His ability to listen, coupled with a strong drive to act ethically, has earned him respect among both clients and peers.
David Ruzumna’s Early Wins Shape His Career
David Ruzumna
’s legal journey began with a case that set the tone for his career. Fresh out of law school, he represented a family of Thai immigrants running a restaurant on Bainbridge Island.
Their landlord was exploiting them, taking advantage of their unfamiliarity with the U.S. legal system. Ruzumna, newly licensed, filed a lawsuit and moved for summary judgment. To his surprise, the judge granted the motion, securing a win for the family. “I didn’t even expect to win, so I was pleased with and inspired by the first victory,” he says. “I forgot to bring a proposed order for the judge to sign, but that victory showed me what the law could do for people who needed help.”
The case, for which he charged a modest $1,000 flat fee, was a lesson in impact over income. “I charged a flat fee of $1k, which even in 1997 did not represent anything near what would be reasonable fees for the amount of work I had done,” he says. “Still, in my mind, asking for and getting $1k to do this work seemed like all of the money in the world, but it was never about the money; it was about helping that family stand up to unfair treatment.” This early success reinforced his belief in the law’s potential to protect the vulnerable, a theme that would define his practice.
Another significant case came years later when Ruzumna defended a daycare provider accused of unfounded abuse. The initial hearing before the Department of Social and Health Services went against them, threatening Rogan’s livelihood.
Undeterred, Ruzumna appealed to the superior court for judicial review. His persistence paid off as the court ruled in their favor, and they recovered attorneys’ fees. These victories highlight his ability to navigate complex legal battles and deliver results that matter.
A Philosophy Rooted in Fairness
Clear values guide Dave Ruzumna’s approach to law: work hard, be honest, and leave a positive impression. “I’d tell my younger self, ‘God gave you two eyes, two ears, and one mouth. Use them in proportion; listen more and speak less,” he says, emphasizing the importance of listening over speaking.
This philosophy guides his interactions with clients, ranging from small business owners to individuals facing complex legal challenges. His commitment to fairness drives him to take on cases where the stakes are high and the odds seem stacked against his clients.
One such case involved a Seattle food vendor facing harassment from the city’s street use permit agency. Ruzumna secured a restraining order, compelling the city to adhere to its own regulations. “It was about making sure the system worked fairly,” he says. The case underscored his belief that the law should hold everyone accountable, including those in positions of authority. By focusing on the details and advocating fiercely, he ensured his client could continue their business without undue interference.
His time as a judge pro tem has further sharpened his perspective. Serving in King County District Court and other regional courts, Dave Ruzumna has seen the legal system from both sides of the bench. This experience has strengthened his resolve to advocate for clients with clarity and integrity, ensuring their voices are heard.
David Ruzumna Successfully Balances a Demanding Career
The demands of running a law practice and serving as a judge pro tem require significant time and energy, but Ruzumna has found ways to maintain balance. Walking is his primary outlet for managing stress. Whether strolling through his Seattle neighborhood or along a nearby trail, he uses these moments to reflect and recharge. This routine allows him to approach his work with a clear mind, ready to tackle complex cases or judicial responsibilities.
Family is the cornerstone of his life outside the courtroom. “Being able to maintain a happy marriage and raise two wonderful humans is what I’m most proud of,” he says. His wife and children provide the emotional foundation that fuels his professional drive.
Ruzumna defines success not by accolades or wealth but by “doing something you love and getting paid enough to support yourself and your family.” This grounded perspective keeps him focused on what matters most, even during the busiest periods of his career.
A key influence is his father-in-law, Robert Krokower, a business leader Ruzumna admires for his intelligence and calm leadership. “His peers respect him and knows how to inspire others to succeed,” Ruzumna says. Krokower’s ability to lead with reason and empathy has shaped how Ruzumna approaches his own work, striving to uplift those around him, whether clients, colleagues, or community members.
A Commitment to Community Service
Beyond his legal practice, Dave Ruzumna is deeply invested in his community. He provides pro bono legal support to several Seattle nonprofits, including Seattle Public Theater, Macha Theatre Works, and Ballard Performing Arts. His work ranges from helping these organizations secure 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status to offering legal advice on operational challenges. His contributions ensure these organizations can focus on their missions, from staging performances to fostering arts education.
Animal welfare is another passion. Ruzumna supports groups like Ferry Dog Mothers, a dog rescue organization. His efforts help ensure that rescue organizations can operate smoothly, finding homes for animals in need.
One of his most rewarding commitments is volunteering at low-income and no-income legal clinics in King County. One or two nights a month, he offers free legal advice to individuals who can’t afford an attorney. His work at clinics reflects his core belief that access to legal guidance is a right, not a privilege, and he takes pride in helping people navigate their challenges.
David Ruzumna Builds a Legacy of Impact
Reflecting on his career, David Ruzumna sees his work as a series of opportunities to make a difference. Even small actions can have profound impacts, a fact that continues to guide him.
His role as a judge pro tem has deepened his understanding of the legal system’s complexities. Whether presiding over a case or advocating for a client, he approaches each task with the same goal: to ensure the system works as it should, fairly and equitably.
Looking ahead, Ruzumna remains committed to his dual roles as a lawyer and public servant. “I want to leave things better than I found them,” he says. Whether through a courtroom victory, a pro bono project, or a quiet walk to clear his mind, he continues to pursue that goal with purpose.
For Dave Ruzumna, the law is more than a profession; it’s a tool for building a more just and compassionate world, one case, one client, one community at a time.
