Rhett Ricard found Clemson University to be the perfect place to nurture his love of learning, a passion he has carried into his legal career.
Ricard double majored in history and chemistry in his pursuit of becoming a more well-rounded professional. When he started college, Ricard didn’t want to foreclose the possibility of becoming a teacher, scientist or doctor.
“First and foremost, I enjoy learning about the natural and physical sciences, but I also enjoy learning about social sciences and the arts and humanities,” said Ricard, a 2012 graduate.
One dispute involving an organic chemical formulation stands out. “One of my favorite chemistry courses at Clemson was organic chemistry, so conversing with the scientist and the client about the specific part of science that was at issue in the case helped me,” he said.
He originally began as a chemical engineering major, but decided after his first semester that he wanted to fully commit to pursuing a career in law.
Similarities
Although many might assume Ricard’s history degree was the more helpful one in his legal career, he thinks that both degrees have helped with his writing and aided in the broad scope of cases on which he works. Ricard noted there are more similarities between scientific writing and legal brief writing than people may imagine.
Serving in the Clemson University Guide Association helped prepare him to be a courtroom litigator, providing valuable public speaking experience. Ricard said he found parallels between leading campus tours for prospective families and guiding clients through the complexities of litigation—both requiring clarity, command of facts, and the ability to tailor information to individual needs.
During his time at Clemson, Ricard thoroughly enjoyed serving in the student government, Student Alumni Council and Blue Key Honor Society, allowing him to support his student community and to develop friendships that have lasted to this day.
“A Few Good Men”
Ricard’s path to the law began in high school when he watched the movie “A Few Good Men,” a military courtroom drama starring Tom Cruise and Kevin Bacon as military judge advocates facing off in a court-martial. He said the film inspired him to combine his interest in law and his passion for serving his country.
After graduating from Clemson, Ricard attended the University of Virginia School of Law and joined the United States Marine Corps as a Judge Advocate. Ricard was selected as a prosecutor and remained in the position for the entirety of his five-year military career. His day-to-day role involved investigating criminal misconduct, pursuing charges against suspects and prosecuting cases.
To prepare for prosecution and conduct a trial, Ricard interviewed witnesses, picked a jury, and prepared the opening statement and closing argument. During his time as a prosecutor for the Marines, Ricard tried 10 cases to verdict and was the lead prosecutor for most of them.
“It was the thrill of a lifetime to be able to be a prosecutor in the Marine Corps and to represent the government of the United States, and I never took it lightly standing up in front of a jury on behalf of the government,” he said.
National firm
Currently, Ricard works at a national law firm specializing in commercial litigation, as well as labor and employment law. He works on various types of cases involving contract disputes between businesses, employer-employee conflicts and an assortment of other cases, including patent litigation.
Ricard approaches each case with curiosity and purpose, skills he attributes to double majoring at Clemson and his lifelong love of learning. While the size of the client and the topics covered in the litigation varies, the learning and analytical skills he’s developed apply to every kind of case. He takes pride in transforming complex legal issues into compelling courtroom advocacy.
“I enjoy doing new things and exploring different industries and fields,” Ricard said. “I represent companies from the Fortune 500 to mom and pop shops, and I find fulfillment in handling a large variety of cases.”
