Matt Bender

Matt Bender is an associate professor of law at Washburn University. He received his J.D. from the University of Michigan and a B.S.B.A. in economics from the University of Arkansas. After graduating from law school, Bender was a judicial clerk in the Western District of Arkansas and then spent several years as a line defender and student extern supervisor for the Arkansas Public Defender Commission. Before coming to Washburn, Bender supervised the Criminal Practice Clinic at the University of Arkansas.

Bender’s research focuses on Criminal Procedure, Constitutional Law and Section 1983 Litigation. His work has explored improving public defender systems, constitutional torts, and areas where the First Amendment and Fourth Amendment intersect. Outside of his teaching, Bender is involved in several state and national organizations that support training and mentoring students interested in public service and public defense.

Bender is also a director in the Washburn Law Clinic where Bender and his students and litigate misdemeanor and felony cases in state and federal court and represent plaintiffs.

Professor Bender's Justice Quote: 

“If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace;" and this single reflection, well applied, is sufficient to awaken everyone to duty.” – Thomas Paine, The American Crisis (December 23, 1776).

Professor Bender's Recommended Reading on Social Justice: 

Strangers to Ourselves – Rachel Aviv

Going to Meet the Man – James Baldwin

The Men We Reaped – Jesmyn Ward