“Every day, I get the chance to make our communities safer. That’s an enormous responsibility, but it’s also an enormous privilege.”
Ben Wallace, a proud 2008 graduate of The Charter School of Wilmington, was appointed in December 2025 as the United States Attorney for the District of Delaware, becoming the state’s top federal prosecutor at just 35 years old. A native Delawarean, Ben’s appointment reflects a deep commitment to public service and a career guided by integrity, empathy, and the rule of law.
Ben credits his parents as the primary inspiration behind his career path. Both are career public servants. His father was a prosecutor who later became a judge, and his mother is a nurse practitioner who previously led Christiana Care’s addiction medicine service. Watching their dedication firsthand shaped how Ben approaches his own work. He strives to bring the same rigor his father brought to the law and the same empathy his mother brought to healthcare, with the goal of honoring the sacrifices they made for him and his sister.
Ben’s passion for the law began at CSW, where he was a member of the Mock Trial team from sophomore through senior year. It was there that he first recognized his aptitude for legal work and saw how powerful the law can be as a force for social good. He also emphasizes that much of his success is rooted in the strong support system surrounding him. His wife, also a CSW alum, has been by his side since senior year, and many of his closest friends, including the godfathers of his daughters, are fellow CSW graduates.
After graduating from CSW, Ben attended the University of Virginia as a Jefferson Scholar, earning his degree in 2012. He went on to receive his law degree from Yale Law School, followed by an extraordinary series of clerkships. These included serving as a law clerk to United States Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Anthony Kennedy, as well as clerking on two United States Courts of Appeals.
Ben’s legal career spans both public service and private practice. He served in the United States Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel, advising the White House and executive branch agencies, before becoming a partner at the Washington, DC law firm Kirkland and Ellis. Three years ago, he returned home to Delaware as an Assistant United States Attorney, later serving as First Assistant United States Attorney, and now leads the office as United States Attorney.
Throughout his career, Ben has prosecuted a wide range of cases, including violent gang related crimes, financial fraud, and public corruption. He emphasizes accountability, public safety, and deterrence, and has committed to leading the office by the book, ensuring justice is administered fairly and impartially for all Delawareans.
When asked for advice to current CSW students and young alumni interested in law, Ben encourages them to spend meaningful time studying the nation’s foundational legal texts. He believes much of the wisdom needed to address today’s social challenges can be found within those centuries old documents.
Ben is quick to acknowledge the educators who helped shape his leadership at CSW, offering special thanks to Robin Lober, who coached the Mock Trial team, and Mark Thompson, who led the Senior Council program.
Today, Ben continues to give back to the CSW community by serving on the boards of both The Charter School of Wilmington and the CSW Alumni Association. His journey from CSW student to United States Attorney serves as a powerful example of how dedication, integrity, and service can create lasting impact.
The Charter School of Wilmington community is proud to celebrate Ben Wallace and his continued commitment to public service.