David Ruzumna Shares A Life Of Law, Leadership, And Discipline
by Arnab Dey Blog Published on: 15 July 2025 Last Updated on: 25 July 2025
Dave Ruzumna has built his career as well as his life on a foundation of discipline, integrity, and an unwavering belief in the power of truth.
Therefore, Dave Resumna has focused on steady determination right from his early days growing up in Los Angeles to building his successful law practice and serving nearly full-time as a judge pro tem across multiple Washington counties.
Ruzumna’s journey, as a result, reflects the steady determination of someone who doesn’t chase headlines but commands respect where it matters most.
Dave has always commanded respect inside the courtroom.
From Sociology To The Courtroom: How Did Dave Resumna Venture Into The Field Of Law?
Ruzumna did not predetermine his path to study law. Hence, decided to pursue law after graduating from Humboldt State University with a degree in sociology.
As a result, he took a year off to determine his next steps.
However, that period of reflection turned out to be crucial. He decided to apply to law school and later got accepted. Resumna also met the love of his life there.
Dave Ruzumna recalls, “I proposed after law school, but prior to the bar exam,”.
Ruzumna passed the bar and got married. Therefore, this marked the beginning of his next journey in life and law.
Ruzumna worked for small law firms in the years that followed. Therefore, Dave gained experience.
The attorney later figured out what he wanted the rest of his legal career to look like.
Therefore, Dave Resumna took a leap of faith after a year. This opened new doors of opportunity for Dave.
The attorney launched the Law Office of David Ruzumna, PLLC, in Seattle in 2000. Therefore, he continues to practice there to date.
Dave Resumna’s niche revolves around real estate, contracts, and general civil litigation.
Hence, Resumna’s clientele consists of individuals and small business owners.
Diving Deep Into The Journey Of Dave Resumna
Dave Resumna has faced various hardships and made strategic decisions, which have contributed to his current success. Dave has incorporated various values in his life.
Let us dive deep into those events and decisions that have made Dave who he is today:
1. The Power Of Discipline
Ruzumna suggests that having a law practice requires more than legal expertise; it demands relentless organization, especially when working remotely.
Ruzumna suggests that discipline is non-negotiable.
People should be disciplined at all times. Stick to a schedule, especially while working from home.
He advises people to think of their home as a workspace and behave as they would at work.
Setting an alarm helps in having a plan. Therefore, people should follow it, just like you would if you had a boss watching.”
Therefore, personal accountability has served him well. This has benefited him, especially as his legal practice expanded to include significant work as a judge pro tempore. Therefore, Dave Ruzumna suggests that structure, preparation, and impartiality are paramount.
2. A Career-Shaping Trial
Every attorney has a defining moment early in their career. Therefore, this moment decides the future trajectory of the person’s legal career.
Ruzumna came across this moment when he handled a high-stakes felony theft case.
Ruzumna dealt with the case of a young man who was charged with exploiting an older man by accepting expensive gifts. However, the truth was far more complex.
Dave Ruzumna says, “The older man and my client were romantically involved,”.
Ruzumna explains. “My client was the only companion this older man had. The state saw manipulation; I saw a relationship.”
Despite facing two seasoned prosecutors in Superior Court, Ruzumna’s faith in the facts never wavered.
Therefore, Ruzumna’s defense strategy focused on humanizing his client and illuminating the true nature of the relationship for the jury.
The result? A not-guilty verdict after only two hours of deliberation.
That case reinforced Ruzumna’s faith in truth. Ruzumna believes that when a person is aligned with the truth, they should never be intimidated by the state’s decision to file charges.
Therefore, Ruzumna reflects that truth will ultimately prevail.
3. The Importance Of Storytelling
Ruzumna believes that one skill is essential for both lawyers and judges: storytelling. Hence, he has developed this skill through years of practice.
Dave says, “Judges and jurors alike need to hear a relatable story,”.
Lawyers should identify the core of the case, then build their narrative around it. Professionals should speak conversationally and use relatable terms when arguing.
The lawyers should use the case mentioned above to convey their case strategically.
It’s a philosophy that informs not only his courtroom presence but also his written advocacy. In King County Superior Court, where many motions are decided on written pleadings alone, Dave Ruzumna knows the power of well-crafted legal writing.
“Being able to convey a thought or story in writing coherently is critical. The best way to learn that? Lawyers should read well-written legal documents. Anything well-written helps enhance knowledge.
4. Lifelong Learning And Listening To The Best
Despite having more than two decades of experience in the legal field, Ruzumna remains a dedicated student of the law. He stays current by networking with peers, attending mandatory Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs, and, importantly, listening to oral arguments from appellate courts.
“I have Washington Supreme Court and Court of Appeals decisions automatically emailed to me every week,” he says. “But I also love listening to oral arguments in the higher courts. The advocates are the best of the best, and it’s rewarding to hear them practicing their craft.”
It’s not just about technique—it’s about cultivating habits of excellence that have propelled his long-term success.
Lessons In Leadership
Effective leaders have shaped Ruzumna throughout his journey. Dave Ruzumna’s father-in-law worked as the CEO of a significant real estate development company.
Father-in-law influenced him in various ways. Therefore, the man taught him a lot about leadership.
Quiet competence drove Ruzumna’s father-in-law’s style of leadership.
The man didn’t just criticize, he’d find out where things went wrong and turn it into a learning opportunity.
Mistakes served as learning opportunities, and this made the employees feel valued.
Steven Gonzalez also influenced Dave Ruzumna, who is now the Chief Justice of the Washington Supreme Court.
“He spoke very few words in court, but when he did, everyone listened intently,” Ruzumna remembers. “He taught me to listen more, speak less, and always be polite and gracious, whether to a friend or a foe.”
Read Also:
Related
