We sat down with Dr. Kevin Ruegg, the CEO and executive director of the Arizona Bar Foundation to discuss the partnership with the Arizona Equal Justice Foundation to expand its reach and make a larger impact for civil legal aid in Arizona.
AALM: Tell us how you came to partner with the Arizona Equal Justice Foundation on the Equal Justice Challenge?
KR: The Equal Justice Challenge grew out of a shared commitment to expanding access to civil legal aid in Arizona. The Arizona Bar Foundation has long supported programs and organizations that help Arizonans navigate serious civil legal issues, and the Arizona Equal Justice Foundation brings together law firms that want to make a collective, meaningful investment in that work. Partnering on the Challenge was a natural fit because it gives the legal community a clear and visible way to support legal service organizations that serve Arizonans who need legal help.
AALM: Can you tell us about the establishment of the Arizona Equal Justice Foundation and the origins of this challenge?
KR: The Arizona Equal Justice Foundation was started in 2002, when 12 law firms came together to raise funds for civil legal aid in Arizona. These firm leaders believed it was their profession’s responsibility to help ensure equal access to justice and that access to legal help for Arizonans in need, benefits all in our community. These founding firms created a model for collective giving that has continued for more than two decades. Their leadership established a tradition of law firm support for civil legal aid, and participating firms today continue to carry that commitment forward by contributing financially, raising awareness, and encouraging broader participation from the legal community.
The Equal Justice Challenge’s goals are to raise significant funds for legal service organizations, increase awareness of the justice gap in Arizona, and recognize firms that step forward as leaders in supporting equal access to justice.
AALM: Last year, the EJC was able to raise $300,000 to benefit Legal Service Corporation (LSC) funded agencies in Arizona. Can you tell us a bit about the organizations that benefited?
KR: When the fund was established almost 25 years ago, the firms agreed that focusing funding on the three federally funded and regulated Legal Service Corporation (LSC) agencies in Arizona would have the greatest statewide impact. These agencies are Community Legal Services, DNA People’s Legal Services, and Southern Arizona Legal Aid. The three agencies provide help in civil legal matters including family, housing, employment, and consumer – just to name a few.
AALM: What is one of the changes since you partnered with the Equal Justice Foundation?
KR: With the Arizona Bar Foundation and Equal Justice Foundation collaboration, the EJC wanted to ensure other firms and businesses were able to participate alongside the established Arizona Equal Justice Foundation firms (AZEJF). Starting in 2024, we welcomed the participation of other businesses and law firms. Since that invitation, Bell Bank, Burg Simpson, Rafi Law Group, and Spencer Fane have joined the long-standing AZEJF firms: Ballard Spahr; Dorsey Whitney; Fennemore; Gallagher & Kennedy; Jones, Skelton & Hochuli; May Potenza Baran & Gillespie; Osborn Maledon; Quarles; Rose Law Firm; Snell & Wilmer; Taft; and Womble Bond Dickinson.
AALM: Law firms that participate in the challenge receive a number of benefits. Can you tell us a bit about those benefits?
KR: All participants in the Challenge will have one representative on the EJC Advisory Board, are invited to an annual reception, and receive recognition for their commitment to access to justice through social media, and other public acknowledgment. Current members have found being associated with a statewide effort that reflects the profession’s highest public-service values and gives them a meaningful way to engage around a cause that directly supports vulnerable Arizonans is one of the greatest benefits.
AALM: You host an annual recognition event. Can you tell us a bit about this year’s event?
KR: The annual recognition event is an opportunity to celebrate the law firms and legal professionals who support the Equal Justice Challenge and to highlight the impact of their contributions. This year’s event will recognize participating firms, share the importance of civil legal aid in Arizona, and bring together members of the justice community who are committed to expanding access to justice. It is both a celebration of generosity and a reminder of the continuing need for legal help across the state.
AALM: For law firms wishing to participate, what is the best first step?
KR: The best first step is to contact the Arizona Bar Foundation to learn more about the Equal Justice Challenge, participation levels, recognition opportunities, and the legal service organizations supported through the effort. Firms can also visit the Equal Justice Challenge page on the Arizona Bar Foundation website to learn more and begin the conversation about joining the Challenge.
AALM: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
KR: The Equal Justice Challenge is a statement from Arizona’s law firms, banks, and businesses that access to justice matters and that it is our responsibility to help protect it. Every participating agency helps strengthen the safety net for people facing serious civil legal problems, and every contribution helps move Arizona closer to a justice system that is more accessible, fair, and responsive to the needs of all communities.
To learn more or join the challenge, visit https://www.azbf.org/equal-justice-challenge.
